Australia has blasted out a powerful statement of intent for the women’s T20 World Cup, dominating South Africa to win their opening match by 65 runs.<\/p>\n
The Aussies made 8-172 off their 20 overs in Manchester on Sunday morning (AEST), a target that always looked too much for South Africa, who were all out for 107, from 16.4 overs.<\/p>\n
Georgia Wareham, Australia’s player of the match after taking 3-13 and contributing an important batting knock, hailed the Aussie spirit, picking out Phoebe Litchfield, who top-scored with 50, and new captain Sophie Molineux for special accolades.<\/p>\n
“With our batting line-up, you know you can play with confidence and freedom. Phoebe was awesome and it was a good all-round performance by the team,” she said.<\/p>\n
“We are versatile as a bowling line-up as well, we know we are good at keeping it tight and keeping it on the stumps.<\/p>\n
“Soph’s been awesome [as captain], instilling a lot of freedom in the group, making us believe we can take it on in the tournament.”<\/p>\n
Molineux said: “We were in trouble at the start but the way the girls bounced back and climbed over it in our bowling innings, we are really pleased with it.<\/p>\n
“We have a top and middle order that can play all round the park, and bat the best when they take it on. It’s great to see them play with freedom.”<\/p>\n
It was true, some of the Aussie batters underperformed somewhat but such is the depth, the side was still able to post a daunting total. It was certainly too much for the South Africans.<\/p>\n
The Aussie attack was soon in gear, removing Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk in the first seven overs, leaving the South Africans on 48.<\/p>\n
Australia had dropped De Klerk in the powerplay but Wareham, in addition to her three wickets, also made two important interventions in the field.<\/p>\n