ICC Women’s World T20: India to meet Australia in the finals
The Indian Women’s Cricket reached their maiden T20 World
finals after the first semi-finals against England was abandoned due to rain
played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on Thursday. Harmanpreet Kaur led side
finished top of Pool A winning all their matches. It is a great achievement for
the Indian women’s team as they performed brilliantly in the league stages.
India started the group stunning the defending Champions
Australia by 17 runs in the opening match played at Sydney Showground Stadium,
Sydney on 21st February. After their win against Australia, they
defeated Bangladesh by 18 runs on 24th at WACA Stadium, Perth. It
was a superb performance by India as they held their nerves to beat New Zealand
by 3 runs in their 3rd match played at Junction Oval, Melbourne on
27th February.
In their final league match, India cruised to a 7 wicket
over Sri Lanka to finish top of Pool A and qualify for the last 4 stage. There were
consistent rains today and India were rewarded with their maiden finals in
World T20.
Australia versus South Africa 2nd semi-finals
Australia defeated South Africa by 5 runs via DLS method in
the semi-finals played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on Thursday. South African
captain Dan Van Niekerk won the toss and decided to field first. Alyssa Healy
and Beth Mooney got the hosts off to a quick start on a damp pitch. Khaka got
the breakthrough for South Africa dismissing Healy for 18. Mooney looked
impressive his stroke play while Meg Lanning took the charge. At the end of six
overs, Australia were 48 for 1.
After the power play overs, Mooney and Lanning played with
positive intent. De Klerk struck for South Africa dismissing the dangerous
Mooney for 28. Mooney and Lanning added 34 runs for the 2nd wicket.
Jess Jonassen who was promoted to number 4 was dismissed cheaply. Gardner also
failed to contribute any runs. Trisha Chetty missed a stumping chance of Meg
Lanning. Rachael Haynes took singles and gave strike to Meg Lanning. De Klerk
struck again to get the wicket of Haynes. Lanning and Haynes added 32 runs for
the 5th wicket. Meg Lanning impressed with her stroke taking 17 runs
off Khaka over. Carey and Lanning added 31 unbeaten runs for the 6th
wicket to help Australia post 134 for 5 in 20 overs.
After the rain delay break, South Africa were given a
revised target of 98 off 13 overs. Lizelle Lee and Dan Van Niekerk began
impressively as both openers smashed some lovely boundaries. Molineux got the
big wicket of Lee for 10. The power play overs were reduced to 4 overs. Megan
Schutt dismissed Van Niekerk to leave South Africa at 23 for 2 at the end of
power play overs.
Kimmince got rid of Mignon du Preez to leave South Africa in
trouble at 24 for 3. Sunne Luus was struggling for timing but Laura Wolvaardt
played with positive intent and kept the South African hopes alive. Schutt
struck to get rid off Sunne Luus to break 47 runs stand for 4th
wicket. Wolvaardt showed her hitting abilities and left South Africa need 19
runs to win off last over. Jess Jonassen dismissed Tryon. Despite de Klerk and
Wolvaardt efforts, Jonassen held her nerves to win the match by 5 runs.
Australia 134 for 5 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 49*, Mooney 28,
de Klerk 3/19) beat South Africa 92 for 5 in 13 overs ( Wolvaardt 41*, Luus 21,
Megan Schutt 2/21) by 5 runs via DLS method.
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| Indian women to face Australia in the finals of World T20 2020 at MCG |
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