Australia and England are through to the final of the Women’s World T20.
Alyssa Healy Photo: Photosport
The four best teams in the competition faced off today for a spot in the final. Australia played defending champions the West Indies and England took on a very good Indian team. The results were perhaps a surprise.
Lotto presenter Sonia Gray and Black Cap Martin Guptill. Photo: Supplied
In the first game, the West Indies won the toss and surprisingly chose to bowl. Australia played calmly to post 142 in their 20 overs. Batting second, the West Indies were never in the game and collapsed to be all out for 71 in the 18th over, losing by a massive 71 runs. Wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy was again Player of the Match for her 46 runs and a superb display behind the stumps.
India won the toss and batted first in their match against England. They struggled to adapt to a slow, bouncing pitch and were dismissed for 112 in the 20th over. Left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana top scored with 36 and Jemimah Rodrigues made a run-a-ball 26.
England never looked in trouble in their reply, cruising to an eight wicket win with 17 balls remaining. Player of the match Amy Jones top scored with 53 not out while Natalie Sciver blasted 52 off 38 balls to seal the win.
Both England and Australia are experienced at Women’s World T20 finals. England have played in three finals for one win, while Australia have three wins from their four appearances. Who will win this final is anyone’s guess.
Grant Elliott celebrates hitting the winning runs to put New Zealand into their first Cricket World Cup final. Photo: Photosport
Former Black Cap Grant Elliott and actor and Lotto presenter Sonia Gray joined hosts Zoe George and Justin Gregory to give their predictions for the final, talk about performing on the big stages and how to deal with pressure.
