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Australia have blasted out a powerful statement of intent for the women\u2019s 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 Saturday, a target that always looked too much for South Africa, who were all out for 107, from 16.4 overs.<\/p>\n
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Australia\u2019s Georgia Wareham, center, celebrates with teammates after running out South Africa\u2019s Marizanne Kapp.Nigel French\/PA via AP<\/p>\n
Georgia Wareham, Australia\u2019s 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
\u201cWith 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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
\u201cSoph\u2019s been awesome [as captain], instilling a lot of freedom in the group, making us believe we can take it on in the tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n
Molineux, who took the wickets of both South African openers, said: \u201cWe 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
\u201cWe have a top and middle order that can play all round the park, and bat the best when they take it on. It\u2019s great to see them play with freedom.\u201d<\/p>\n
It was true, some of the Aussie batters under-performed somewhat but such is their strength in depth, they were still able to post a daunting total. It was certainly too much for the South Africans.<\/p>\n
The Aussie attack were soon in gear, removing Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk – the latter clean bowled by Wareham – 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
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Sophie Molineux appeals successfully for the wicket of South Africa\u2019s Sune Luus.Nigel French\/PA via AP<\/p>\n
Having already hit a significant 32, Wareham ran out the dangerous all-rounder Marizanne Kapp for 12 with an accurate throw from the deep and then took a smart low catch at cover to see off the dangerous Laura Wolvaardt for 44.<\/p>\n
With that, the match was good as won, the South African tail offering little resistance as Australia steamed towards victory.<\/p>\n
Earlier, Australia had won the toss and made an unconvincing start, losing opener Georgia Voll for a duck to Kapp in the first over. When Beth Mooney, also struggling to contend with the seam conditions, departed for seven, the Aussies needed a bit of inspiration.<\/p>\n
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