Australia is through to the Final of the ICC Womens World Twenty20 but only just.
Last night at the SCG in a rain affected game against South Africa the Aussie women were able to come away with a 6 run win. Australia will now meet India in the final at the MCG on Sunday on International Womens Day. All this with one of the games and Australia’s greatest players Ellyse Perry injured.
In an afternoon of drama where England were eliminated and India moved into the final without even a ball being bowled due to rain, it looked like Australia were going down the same path of elimination. But the weather thankfully held off and there was a start of play.
Australia made 5-134 off it’s 20 overs after a stellar Captains knock from Meg Lanning of 49 from 49 balls. It made Australia’s total reasonable but some were still concerned if it was enough. Opener Alyssa Healy looked in good touch with 18 from 13 but was caught after a miscued drive. Opening partner Beth Mooney was also looking good with 28 off 24 but was then bowled out.
A innings break saw more rain and a result was not looking good as were Australia’s chances of advancing to the final. However a revised deadline starting time of 9.49pm and a revised playing schedule of 13 overs and 98 runs to win was made.
Play began at 9.40pm. Yes Australia were 9 minutes away from exiting the World Cup. Can you believe that? But thankfully the rain held off until after the game.
South Africa needed 98 runs off 13 overs to win but needing 19 runs off the last over fell short by 6 runs only scoring 13 runs off the last over to end at 5-92.
Australia will now play India at the MCG on Sunday. It is International Womens Day and to celebrate that and the fact it’s the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup that Katy Perry will be performing before the game. It is also looking like that both teams will be playing in front 90,000 plus fans which will set a new record for attendance at a women’s sporting event which will be amazing.
Go Australia!!!
Story by “Radar”
