On This Day in 2023: Australia Women Won Their Sixth ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup

On February 26, 2023, Australia secured their sixth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup crown after defeating South Africa Women by 19 runs in the final at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground. Under the leadership of Meg Lanning, Australia also completed a historic hat-trick of titles, having previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020, further cementing their dominance in women’s T20 cricket.

After being put in to bat, Australia got off to a composed start. Openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney stitched together a 36-run partnership. Healy looked in fine touch before she was dismissed by the experienced Marizanne Kapp. South Africa tightened the screws soon after, with Shabnim Ismail bowling a maiden over at the end of the powerplay to stall Australia’s momentum.

In a bold tactical move, Australia promoted power-hitters Ash Gardner and Grace Harris up the order. Gardner launched a counterattack, striking Nonkululeko Mlaba for consecutive boundaries and back-to-back sixes off Nadine de Klerk. However, just as she threatened to take control of the contest, Chloe Tryon dismissed her for a brisk 29 off 21 balls. Harris, too, fell after being deceived by Mlaba’s turn.

While Lanning and Ellyse Perry were unable to make significant contributions, Mooney stood firm at one end. She played a masterful innings under pressure, rotating strike efficiently and finding boundaries at crucial moments. Mooney remained unbeaten on 74 off 53 deliveries, including nine fours and a six. In doing so, she became only the third batter after Kumar Sangakkara and Marlon Samuels to score two half-centuries in T20 World Cup finals. Australia posted a competitive total of 156/6 that ultimately proved decisive.

In response, South Africa struggled to build early momentum, managing just 22 runs in the powerplay while losing Tazmin Brits. Kapp attempted to counterattack but was dismissed by Gardner. Captain Sune Luus endured a disappointing outing and was run out following a mix-up with Laura Wolvaardt.

Wolvaardt kept the chase alive with a classy 61 off 48 balls, showcasing elegant stroke play. However, Megan Schutt delivered the crucial breakthrough, trapping her LBW. Tryon briefly reignited hopes with a towering six off Jess Jonassen, but the spinner struck back immediately. South Africa eventually finished on 137/6. From Australia Women, four bowlers took one wicket each to outsmart the opposition batters.

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