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Australia beat India by 85 runs in final to win 2020 Women's T20 World Cup

England Women vs Pakistan Women, 12th Match, Group B
Feb 28 • 1:00 PM at Manuka Oval, Canberra
PAKW 24/1 (4.0 Ovs) • ENGW 158/7 (20.0 Ovs)
Pakistan Women need 135 runs
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over 50,000 tickets have been sold to the final of the ICC Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> at the MCG &#55357;&#56908;<br><br>&#55356;&#57247;️ Get your tickets here to be a part of history &#55357;&#56391;<a href="https://t.co/OAtyj13Rgz">https://t.co/OAtyj13Rgz</a><a href="https://t.co/8meRbpq3IN">https://t.co/8meRbpq3IN</a></p>— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1233218010468450304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
SensiblePakFan said:
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Over 50,000 tickets have been sold to the final of the ICC Women's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> at the MCG ��<br><br>��️ Get your tickets here to be a part of history ��<a href="https://t.co/OAtyj13Rgz">https://t.co/OAtyj13Rgz</a><a href="https://t.co/8meRbpq3IN">https://t.co/8meRbpq3IN</a></p>— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/T20WorldCup/status/1233218010468450304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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But is it sustainable? I thought nobody had the time or patience to watch 120kph fast bowling.

On a sidenote, what a slap for those who think nobody watches women's cricket.
 
England beat Pakistan in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

· Event hashtag: #T20WorldCup, Pakistan Women team hashtag: #BackourGirls

Karachi, 28 February 2020:

England women recorded a 42-run victory over Pakistan women in a Group B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup played at the Manuka Oval, Canberra on Friday.

Set a 159-run target, Pakistan were bowled out for 116 runs in 19.4 overs to hand England their second win of the tournament. Pakistan who beat West Indies by eight wickets in their opening match now face South Africa in Sydney on Sunday.

Pakistan’s chase got off to a poor start as opener Muneeba Ali (10) fell in the third over. The women in green lost the crucial wicket of captain Bismah Maroof who fell for four in the sixth over with the score on 35. Player-of-the-match of the win against West Indies, Javeria Khan fell for 16 in the 7th over which left Pakistan reeling at 39 for three.

Pakistan kept losing regular wickets before folding in 19.4 overs for 116 runs. All-rounder Aliya Riaz top-scored with a stroke-filled 41 off 33 balls, her innings included five fours and one six.

For England Anya Shrubsole and Sarah Glenn took three wickets each. Katherine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone took two wickets each.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and asked England to bat first. Diana Baig repeated her first over heroics of the game against West Indies by dismissing English opener Amy Jones (2) on the fifth ball of the match.

The other opener Danni Wyatt fell for 16 to Aimen Anwar. Natalie Sciver hit five boundaries in her 36 that came off 29 balls before falling to Aliya Riaz.

Captain Heather Knight was the top-scorer for England with 62 off 47 balls, her match winning innings included eight fours and one six. Fran Wilson chipped in with 22 as England finished their 20 overs with a formidable 158 for seven total on the scoreboard.

For Pakistan Aimen was the pick of the bowlers, she claimed three wickets for 30 runs. Nida Dar, playing her 100th T20I took two for 43.

Scores in brief:

England Women 158 for 7, 20 overs (Heather Knight 62, Natalie Sciver 36; Aimen Anwar 3-30, Nida Dar 2-43)


Pakistan Women 116 all out in 19.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 41, Javeria Khan 16; Sarah Glenn 3-15, Anya Shrubsole 3-25 )


Result: England women win by 42 runs

Player-of-the-match: Heather Knight

Next match for Pakistan: Pakistan Women vs South Africa Women, Sunday, 01 March in Sydney.
 
England’s Glenn and Ecclestone spin Pakistan into submission

England spin twins Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone inspired England to a 42-run win over Pakistan as their semi-final bid strengthened at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020.

Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone shared five wickets as England sealed a second successive win

Heather Knight was again the star with the bat, scoring yet another half-century at Manuka Oval

Pakistan flattered to deceive with the bat and dropped a number of catches

Heather Knight (62) and Nat Sciver (36) continued their fine form as England posted 158 for seven, enough to seal back-to-back wins and close the gap on South Africa in Group B.

Glenn (three for 15) and Ecclestone (two for 12) exercised unrelenting control over the Pakistan run-chase as Bismah Maroof’s side failed to back up their opening win over West Indies.

Diana Baig terrorised the West Indies and found early movement once again as Pakistan chose to field, trapping Amy Jones (2) in front with the opener’s review unsuccessful.

Any partnership between Danni Wyatt and Sciver is attractive to watch and Wyatt showed shades of form with three boundaries off an Aiman Anwar over.
Sciver crashed three fours to take the score to 40 for one from four but Wyatt (16) slashed at an Aiman delivery and offered a catch to Muneeba Ali.

Knight and Sciver, fresh from a record-breaking stand against Thailand, look at home batting together and the skipper took ten off an Aliya Riaz over to keep things ticking.

Reaching 74 for two at the halfway stage, England looked comfortable before a moment of brilliance from wicket-keeper Sidra Nawaz, who stumped Sciver off a wide to turn the tide.

Fran Wilson stayed with her captain for six overs, Knight showcasing her increasing range with power through cover and midwicket and Wilson bringing out the sweep.

Pakistan squandered chances in the field, Omaima Sohail dropping Knight on the boundary and return catches squandered by Aiman and Diana.

Knight cleared long-on with a six in the penultimate over but wickets tumbled late on as she was dismissed alongside Tammy Beaumont (6) and Katherine Brunt (0).

England joined the dots at the start of the Pakistan chase and when teenager Muneeba Ali tried to break the shackles, she misjudged an Anya Shrubsole cutter and was bowled.

Javeria Khan was also slow out of the blocks but took a liking to the medium-pace of Sciver, striking back-to-back off-side boundaries amid a slew of dot balls.

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof (4) was unable to repeat her match-winning hand against West Indies, shaping to ramp and offering a tame catch to keeper Jones.

Glenn then went to work, coming back from being hit for four by Javeria (16) to bowl the experienced opener before accounting for Iram Javed (4) with a beautifully-flighted ball.

Ecclestone and Glenn proved potent in tandem and the left-armer reaped the rewards of remorseless accuracy with the key wicket of Nida Dar, plumb lbw for 5.

Knight put pace back on the ball and that suited pinch-hitter Aliya Riaz perfectly, planting Sciver over long-on for six and then taking Brunt for two boundaries.

But it didn’t last as Ecclestone bowled Sidra Nawaz (6), Aliya was castled on 41 attempting another slog and Shrubsole took her 100th T20I wicket by dismissing Diana caught and bowled.

Brunt then took the tenth and final wicket by trapping Sadia Iqbal lbw in the last over.

Scores in brief

England beat Pakistan by 42 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra
England 158-7, 20 overs (Heather Knight 62, Nat Sciver 36; Aiman Anwar 3-30)

Pakistan 116 all out, 19.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 41; Sarah Glenn 3-15, Anya Shrubsole 3-25)
 
South Africa and England one step closer with victories

South Africa and England each moved one step closer to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals with impressive wins in Canberra.

South Africa made it two wins from two with victory over Thailand

Lizelle Lee stole the show with her first T20I century

England are back on track after a comfortably win against Pakistan

The Proteas enjoyed a record-breaking afternoon at the Manuka Oval as Lizelle Lee’s 101 helped them to 195 for three, the highest score in the competition.
They eventually downed Thailand by 113 runs to head top of Group B with two wins from two, joined by England on four points after their second victory later in the day.

Heather Knight and Nat Sciver were both in the runs while Sarah Glenn and Sophie Ecclestone spun the 2009 champions to a 42-run win over Pakistan.

Century for Lee as South Africa stay perfect
Lizelle Lee’s outstanding century led South Africa to the record books with the highest score in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history in victory over Thailand.

The opener struck 101 from just 60 balls in Canberra, a knock which, combined with Sune Luus’ unbeaten 61, helped the Proteas to 195 for three.
Chloe Tryon also blitzed 24 late runs to take the game away from Thailand, who were bowled out for 82 in response to lose by 113 runs in the Group B clash.

Luus completed her all-round excellence to finish with three wickets, as did Shabnim Ismail, while Onnicha Kamchomphu’s 26 was the solitary note of resistance for the debutants.

“Things haven’t gone my way since the New Zealand tour, so it was just good to get some runs on the board and get that confidence back,” said Lee.

“It’s two different things, batting in the nets and out in the middle. I was hitting the ball well out in the nets, it just didn’t come off in the middle. That does make your confidence dip.

“I think every batter needs a little bit of confidence, you can’t go out there not having any. If it’s your day, you have to go out and cash in and I was pleased to do that for the team."

Thailand captain Sornnarin Toppoch added: “We were disappointed with that performance. We didn’t bowl well, we didn’t field well and particularly we didn’t bat well.

“We’re a bit flustered when Lizelle came at us, so we never had a chance to find our lines and lengths. We’ve got to find a way of correcting that moving forward into the next games.

“It’s different facing it in practice and moving into a real-life situation.
“Teams are going to come at us hard at this level, we’ve got to step up in this respect, improve our fielding and be a bit more tidy when we’re in the field.”

Shrubsole takes 100th wicket while spinners deliver

England made it two wins from three in Group B as spinners Sarah Glenn (three for 15) and Sophie Ecclestone (two for 12) combined to great effect in victory over Pakistan.

Chasing 159, Pakistan were always behind the rate, even before the two tweakers went for a combined 27 runs in their eight overs, taking five wickets on the way.

Anya Shrubsole also delivered with three scalps, the last seeing her dismiss Diana Baig caught and bowled to become the third woman to reach 100 T20I wickets.

Heather Knight (62) and Nat Sciver (36) once again delivered with the bat but England’s opening pair of Amy Jones and Danni Wyatt are both still to fire in the tournament.

“It’s been great to have Sophie with me, she’s a similar age but has some more experience in the team,” said Glenn.

“If I’m ever nervous or unsure about anything, she’s always there to talk it through on and off the field. She’s a key asset to the team.

“We’re really positive as a group. It was gutting to lose against South Africa but we’re feeling really good and have plenty of momentum now.

“We’ve had a lot of success in Canberra, especially Heather, who’s had a brilliant time. We’ve got a lot of good memories to take into Sydney.”
Pakistan’s Aliya Riaz added: “We made mistakes in the field and dropped some catches. That’s the difference between us and England.
“We believed at the halfway stage when Javeria started well, we built some partnerships and I tried to do my best at the end. I tried to hit the ball as hard as possible.

“Some catches dropped is the responsibility of the fielders. These are our mistakes.

“We need to build more partnerships and make fewer mistakes in fielding and bowling.”

Scores in brief

South Africa beat Thailand by 113 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra
South Africa 195-3, 20 overs (Lizelle Lee 101, Sune Luus 61 not out; Ratanporn Padunglerd 1-19)

Thailand 82 all out, 19.1 overs (Onnicha Kamchomphu 26; Shabnim Ismail 3-8, Sune Luus 3-15)

England beat Pakistan by 42 runs, Manuka Oval, Canberra
England 158-7, 20 overs (Heather Knight 62, Nat Sciver 36; Aiman Anwar 3-30)

Pakistan 116 all out, 19.4 overs (Aliya Riaz 41; Sarah Glenn 3-15, Anya Shrubsole 3-25)
 
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Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof has been ruled out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 after suffering communitive fracture in her right thumb during her side’s 42-run defeat against England in Canberra on Friday.

The PCB has named Nahida Khan as Bismah’s replacement, which will be confirmed following the Event Technical Committee’s approval. In Bismah’s absence, Javeria Khan will captain the side.

Bismah will now travel with the side to Sydney on Saturday, where she will be operated upon by Cricket Australia’s orthopedic surgeon.

Bismah scored four in Pakistan’s 116 in 19.4 overs after they were set a 159-run target.

Pakistan’s next match is against South Africa in Sydney on Sunday. To stay in content for a place in the semi-finals, they have to beat South Africa and then Thailand on 3 March.
 
Saj said:
Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof has been ruled out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 after suffering communitive fracture in her right thumb during her side’s 42-run defeat against England in Canberra on Friday.

The PCB has named Nahida Khan as Bismah’s replacement, which will be confirmed following the Event Technical Committee’s approval. In Bismah’s absence, Javeria Khan will captain the side.

Bismah will now travel with the side to Sydney on Saturday, where she will be operated upon by Cricket Australia’s orthopedic surgeon.

Bismah scored four in Pakistan’s 116 in 19.4 overs after they were set a 159-run target.

Pakistan’s next match is against South Africa in Sydney on Sunday. To stay in content for a place in the semi-finals, they have to beat South Africa and then Thailand on 3 March.
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Not the first time she's injured herself in a world event recently.
Same happened in the 2017 Women's World Cup very early in the tournament.

This might not be the worst thing for Pakistan in truth.
She's not really a T20 player by the standards of the better teams.

Javeria comes across as a better captain to me. Speaks better English for starters.

Huge game vs SA on Sunday. Can they make the semis of a world event for the first time ever? 10th world event this for Pakistan.

SA favourites, but conditions in Sydney will suit the Pakistani spinners and they've had recent success vs SA. They've got a chance.
 
Nahida approved as replacement for Bismah in Pakistan squad

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 has approved Nahida Khan as a replacement for Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof.

Experienced batter Nahida, 33, who has played 59 ODIs and 53 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Bismah was ruled out due to a thumb injury sustained during their match against England.

Javeria Khan has been nominated as the captain.

The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 consists of Geoff Allardice (ICC, Chairman), Chris Tetley (ICC representative), Nick Hockley, Peter Roach (host representatives), Isa Guha, Anjum Chopra (independent nominees).
 
Van Niekerk wary of Pakistan’s improvement

Pakistan have brought renewed energy to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and their notable improvement hasn’t been lost on South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk.

South Africa are looking to maintain their perfect record in Group BA tough test awaits against a Pakistan side that beat West Indies in their openerPakistan captain Bismah Maroof has been ruled out through injury

The Proteas sit with two wins from two atop Group B but their bid for perfection won’t be easy, with Pakistan already overcoming West Indies in the competition so far.

Great strides have been made by the Asian team since the last edition two years ago – and with a semi-final spot on the line, Van Niekerk knows her side can’t take anything for granted in Sydney.

“I said to Lizelle [Lee] when we walked in to the stadium, they’ve got a skip in their step, they look like a very energetic team, they look ready,” said the skipper.

“You can feel the energy popping off them and I got excited for the game against them as I know it will be hard fought.

“We know how good Pakistan are, especially in ICC tournaments. They’re one of those teams that you know it brings out the best in them.

“We are definitely not going to take not even one over lightly against them. I think it will be a difficult game.

“It was nice to see where they’ve gone since we played them at home and again they’ve improved massively as a team. It’s definitely back to the drawing board to try and sort our plans before we get into Sydney.”

Pakistan’s bid for a second win in Australia was dealt a blow after their loss to England, with captain Bismah Maroof ruled out of the tournament after suffering a fracture in her right thumb.

Javeria Khan, who captained in the Women’s T20 World Cup two years ago, will lead the team once again while Nahida Khan comes in as the injury replacement.

Pakistan will need to be ready from the off against the Proteas, whose 195 for three last time out against Thailand was the highest score in Women’s T20 World Cup history.

But Aiman Anwar, who has five wickets in two Group B matches to date, feels their new-found belief means another big performance is far from out of the question at the Sydney Showground.

“We will look forward to restricting South Africa if they bat first,” she said. “Even if they score well, we have the ability to put runs on the board.

“We have chased 160+ against West Indies in Karachi, we want to play good matches.

“We had some good momentum, we unfortunately couldn’t carry that on after the loss against England but we are looking to get that back against South Africa and Thailand.

“Our spinners have been doing well, they’ve won a lot of matches for us and we’ll see if that can happen again.

“I truly believe we are getting better, we have beaten teams that are ranked higher than us so were are positive, we have good intent, and I think this World Cup is open for any team.”
 
Bowlers help New Zealand launch mighty comeback

Hayley Jensen and Leigh Kasperek took three wickets apiece as New Zealand produced a tremendous comeback to down Bangladesh at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

New Zealand bowled Bangladesh out for 74 to boost their semi-final hopesThree wickets apiece for Hayley Jensen and Leigh Kasperek helped the White Ferns win with the lowest score ever defended at a World CupRitu Moni took four wickets to help dismiss New Zealand for 91

The White Ferns were up against it having been bowled out for 91 but the bowlers did the job to dismiss Bangladesh 17 runs short of the target in the first meeting between the teams.

Ritu Moni’s first four-wicket haul was not enough to steer Bangladesh to an historic victory in Group A, with her four for 18 the best figures of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 so far.

They battled in the modest chase but were dismissed for 74, with the White Ferns’ effort the lowest score to ever be successfully defended in the competition.

Bangladesh kept things tight before Rachel Priest found her feet to steer New Zealand to 33 without loss after they chose to bat.

Captain Salma Khatun stepped in to halt the flow by removing her opposite number Sophie Devine for 12, Fahima Khatun with the catch at backward point.

And the skipper was in a merciless mood as she trapped Priest lbw for 25.

Suzie Bates helped New Zealand find rhythm but she soon fell when bowled by Ritu for 15.

Bangladesh’s bowling brilliance continued as Maddy Green was stumped by Nigar Sultana Joty off Rumana Ahmed before they claimed their second scalp in as many balls when Jensen was run out backing up.

The pressure continued to mount as Katey Martin perished for six when caught at point by Fahima Khatun off Ritu.

Anna Petersen then fell when Fargana Hoque Pinky ran in from long-on to take a stunning diving catch off Ritu, while an impressive take from Fahima stopped Amelia Kerr (5) from saving the day.

Ritu ended her stint with the first four-wicket haul Bangladesh have taken in the World Cup and Rumana took her second when Kasperek was stumped for two.

It was only fitting that skipper Salma would be there to polish the innings, trapping Lea Tahuhu lbw as New Zealand lost their eight wickets for just 25 runs.

It was only the third time the White Ferns had been kept under 100 runs at a World Cup but it was clear they weren’t going to go down without a fight as Jensen (three for 11) and Kasperek (three for 23) made amends.

Bangladesh soon had batting woes of their own, Kasperek dealing with Murshida Khatun (11) while Ayasha Rahman was caught by Devine at mid-off off Jensen.

Held at 32-3 at the midway point, Bangladesh’s eagerness to lower the required rate proved costly as Fargana Hoque and Ritu Moni were both run-out in comfortable fashion.

Jensen took her second scalp when she trapped Rumana lbw for one before Bates caught Sobhana Mostaray for seven at mid-on off Devine.

Jahanara Alam was the seventh to depart when she was bowled by spinner Kerr, before Jensen took her third scalp in the same manner against Fahima.

Salma could only manage four before she was bowled by Kasperek, who claimed her third against Nigar Sultana (21) in the final over to seal the win.

The win for New Zealand means Group A is perfectly set-up for a final showdown, with a Trans-Tasman match on Monday seeing them face Australia on Monday, with the winner set to reach the semi-finals.

Scores in brief

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 17 runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne

New Zealand 91 all out, 18.2 overs (Rachel Priest 25; Ritu Moni 4-18, Salma Khatun 3-7)
Bangladesh 74 all out, 19.5 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 21, Hayley Jensen 3-11, Leigh Kasperek 3-23)
 
Verma and Yadav shine as India stay unbeaten Down Under

Shafali Verma and Radha Yadav shone as semi-finalists India made it four from four at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 with a comfortable victory over Sri Lanka.

Radha Yadav took four wickets and Shafali Verma top scored with the bat as India cruised to victory over Sri Lanka in their final Group A fixture in MelbourneVerma’s 34-ball 47 takes her to 161 runs in total in AustraliaIndia top the group with eight points, while winless Sri Lanka face Bangladesh on Monday

Yadav was the latest Indian spinner to shine as her four-wicket haul proved pivotal in restricting Sri Lanka to 113 for nine in Melbourne while Verma’s knock of 47 put them in cruise control in the chase,

They eventually hit the target with 32 balls to spare, bringing up India’s fourth successive victory in the tournament.

The win means India, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, will top the Group A table with eight points while Sri Lanka will aim to clinch their first win against Bangladesh on Monday.

Deepti Sharma got India going by removing Umesha Thimeshani for two when Rajeshwari Gayakwad caught her slice at point.

And Gayakwad was the architect of the next to fall, bowling Harshitha Madhavi to leave Chamari Athapaththu holding the fort in the eighth over.

The Sri Lanka captain is no stranger to coping with pressure but this time the skipper holed out to Shikha Pandey when she ambitiously went for her second six off Yadav in two balls.

From there Sri Lanka struggled to regain momentum as Hasini Perera was caught behind by Tanya Bhatia for seven off Yadav.

And it didn’t take Yadav long to stake her claim as India’s spinner of the afternoon, but she had to thank Veda Krishnamurthy for her third wicket as she kept her balance to catch Hansima Karunaratne at the long-on boundary.

The wickets kept on falling in the middle overs and Gayakwad took her second when Krishnamurthy was again alert at long-on to catch Shashikala Siriwardena for 13.

Yadav finished her spell with four for 23 after trapping Anushka Sanjeewani lbw in the 16th over but a late cameos from Kavisha Dilhari (25 not out) helped lift Sri Lanka to 113.

Verma set the tone for India’s successful chase by belting a boundary off the first ball but was lucky she lasted beyond the second over when Dilhari spilled the catch at extra cover.

It proved costly as the 16-year-old sensation produced yet another impressive opening display, hitting five boundaries and a six in the Powerplay to take India to 49 for one.

Dilhari made up for dropping Verma by catching her opening partner Smriti Mandhana at mid-on off Udeshika Prabodani for 16.

It was a brighter outing for Harmanpreet Kaur, the India skipper hitting two fours and a six in the eighth over to reach double figures for the first time in the tournament, but was halted at 15 when Karunaratne caught her off Siriwardena.

Verma led the charge and sent the India fans in Melbourne wild when she crashed one to the boundary through square leg from behind the stumps.

But she fell three short of her maiden World Cup half-century when she was run out by Dilhari.

With Verma having laid the foundations, Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues, both 15 not out, had no trouble polishing off the win with 32 balls to spare.

Scores in brief

India beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Sri Lanka 113-9, 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 33; Radha Yadav 4-23, Rajeshwari Gayakwad 2-18)
India 116-3, 14.4 overs (Shafali Verma 47, Smriti Mandhana 17; Udeshika Prabodani 1-13)
 
Pakistan to clash with South Africa in crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match

• ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group B match to start at 9am (PST)

• “If we can replicate the performance we gave against West Indies we have a great chance of beating South Africa”, says all-rounder Aliya Riaz

• Urdu version of the media release is attached

Karachi, 29 February 2020:

Both Pakistan and South Africa have all to play for when they clash in the crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Group-B clash at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday. South Africa are currently leading the group with four points coming from two victories, while Pakistan have a win and a loss in their two matches.

Opener Javeria Khan will lead the team tomorrow following Bismah Maroof's injury in Pakistan's last match against England, which ruled her out of the remaining tournament.

Pakistan have two points from two games (win against West Indies, defeat to England), a win tomorrow will give Pakistan a real shot at a semi-final spot considering their last match is against lowly Thailand. On the other hand a victory for South Africa will almost guarantee a semi-final spot for them.

The two teams competed in an enthralling five-match T20I series last year which was won by South Africa 3-2, with Pakistan winning the first and the third match of the series.

All-rounder Aliya Riaz, who scored 41 off 33 balls in Pakistan’s 42-run defeat against England on Friday, feels her side has the capability of defeating South Africa and the recent results against them have given her hopes of a good performance.

Aliya Riaz said: “We were not up to our best against England but I feel we have a very good chance of doing well against South Africa. We played a very competitive series against them in their own backyard last year which gives us added confidence going into the game tomorrow.

“I felt I am in good batting form and enjoyed my innings against England albeit the result didn’t go in our favour. If we can replicate the performance we gave against West Indies we have a great chance of beating South Africa and improving our chances of a place in the semi-finals.”

Pakistan began their campaign in style on Wednesday when they defeated the West Indies by eight wickets at the Manuka Oval, Canberra. England defeated them in their second match on Friday which was played at the same venue.

Sunday’s Pakistan-South Africa match begins at 9am (PST).

Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup:

Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah

Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst).

Upcoming fixtures:

1 March – South Africa v Pakistan, 9am (PST)
3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)
 
India is playing well so far. The pitches seem to help their bowling. I expect India, England, West Indies, and New Zealand in the semis. India if they keep their momentum, will win the world cup this time.
 
India’s batting is inconsistent and overly dependent on spinners. A lot would depend on how the spinners perform.
 
Media Advisory: Kapp returns for penultimate Pakistan clash


Sunday, 1 March 2020


Marizanne Kapp returns to the playing XI against third-placed Pakistan as South Africa look to seal a semi-final spot at the Sydney Showground Stadium. A win today would guarantee a place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup play-offs.


The Momentum Proteas Women have won the toss for a third successive time and captain Dané van Niekerk has opted to bat first.


Regular updates will be available through Cricket South Africa’s platforms on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cricketsouthafrica) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/officialcsa). The match will be broadcast on SuperSport 6 (05:45 CAT)


Momentum Proteas ICC Women’s T20 playing XI to face Pakistan:


Dané van Niekerk (captain, Eastern Province), Lizelle Lee (North West), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Mignon du Preez (Northerns), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province), Suné Luus (Northerns), Chloe Tryon (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Shabnim Ismail (KZN Coastal), Trisha Chetty (KZN Coastal), Ayabonga Khaka (Gauteng) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (KZN Coastal)
 
We’re under no more pressure than New Zealand

Meg Lanning says there will be no extra pressure on Australia in their must-win encounter with New Zealand despite the risk of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup elimination.

Australia captain Meg Lanning dismissed the idea that Australia are under more pressure than New Zealand in Monday’s must-win encounterFour-time champions Australia have never failed to reach the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finalsSophie Devine says New Zealand will not be dwelling on underperforming against Bangladesh

The hosts have won the tournament four times and reached at least the semi-final stage on the other two occasions - a record that put them as heavy favourites to lift the trophy on home soil.

Losing to India thwarted their hopes of an unbeaten run and they now have to beat the White Ferns on Monday to progress.

But captain Lanning says it’s not just her side who will have to sweat over the outcome.

“They can say we’re under more pressure if they want to, but I don’t think that’s the case,” said Lanning.

“New Zealand want to win just as much as we do and they are under exactly the same pressure we are.

“Every team is under the pump and we all have a lot to lose if we don’t get the result we want.

“We know we’re going to have to play extremely well and put out our best performance of the tournament so far, but I back my team to do that.

“When we’ve been in these situations in the past, we’ve really come to the fore and played well. I think it brings the best out in this group.

"There’s a lot of coverage and interest and people wanting us to do well. That’s what we’ve always asked for, I guess.

“It’s just cricket, we’ve played a lot of it and it’s something we know really well. That’s our message.”

Meanwhile, Lanning’s opposite number Sophie Devine couldn’t have made it clearer that she’s not feeling the pressure at all.

New Zealand, who failed to progress beyond the group stage at the 2018 tournament, are just one win away from making amends for their shortcomings but will need to improve recent form to defeat the defending champions.

The White Ferns survived a scare on Saturday when they were bowled out for 91 by Bangladesh but Devine says the determination to come back from the brink holds them in good stead to rain on the hosts’ parade.

“‘Excited’ is the word that best describes us at the moment,” said Devine.

“Everyone is really united after the performance against Bangladesh. We were put on the ropes a little bit so to fight back and I think it showed a lot of spirit from the girls.

“We certainly want to touch on what happened, we can’t ignore it, but we’re certainly really excited to come up against an Australian side who we’ve played a lot of cricket not only against, but alongside as well.

“I think it’s great not to have a huge amount of time to dwell on things. What will be will be.

“We’ve done all the preparation and hard work now it’s about getting out there and enjoying ourselves.”
 
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South Africa Women vs Pakistan Women, 15th Match, Group B
Mar 01 • 7:00 AM at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
RSAW 132/6 (19.5 Ovs) • PAKW
South Africa Women opt to bat
 
South Africa Women vs Pakistan Women, 15th Match, Group B
Mar 01 • 7:00 AM at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
PAKW 66/4 (13.0 Ovs) • RSAW 136/6 (20.0 Ovs)
Pakistan Women need 71 runs in 42 balls
 
South Africa Women vs Pakistan Women, 15th Match, Group B
Mar 01 • 7:00 AM at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
PAKW 119/5 (20.0 Ovs) • RSAW 136/6 (20.0 Ovs)
South Africa Women won by 17 runs
 
Very poor stuff by Pakistan. Leaked a bit of runs in couple of overs and accelerated late. This one should have been won.
Any chances of qualification? :/
 
Wolvaardt bares teeth as South Africa seal semi-final spot

Laura Wolvaardt drove South Africa into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals as her second T20I half-century helped them past Pakistan by 17 runs.

Laura Wolvaardt blasted an unbeaten 53 in her first knock at this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup54 runs from the last five overs helped lift the Proteas to 136 for six with Pakistan only managing 119 for five in replyDane van Niekerk’s side sealed a spot in the final four, while Pakistan’s fate is out of their hands

The Proteas posted 136 for six thanks to a late flurry from 20-year-old Wolvaardt, who took four fours from the final eight balls of the innings.

And with Pakistan falling short with 119 for five, South Africa earned a third successive win to join India in securing a place in Thursday’s semi-finals.

A centurion against Thailand, Lizelle Lee (4) didn’t last long as Diana Baig took the edge and struck in her first over for the third game running.

Diana got just desserts for a probing opening spell when Dane van Niekerk (3) dragged on to end a difficult ten-ball stay.

Marizanne Kapp ended the Powerplay with a wristy flick for four as South Africa reached 23 for two.

Mignon du Preez looked assured in advancing to 17 but mis-timed her reverse sweep off Nida Dar and played on to make it 54 for three.

Wolvaardt came to the middle and struggled to get going with Kapp (31), who drilled to long-off for teenager Syeda Aroob Shah’s maiden Women’s T20 World Cup wicket.

Nida dried up runs as the Proteas went 35 balls without a boundary before Wolvaardt lifted her over mid-off for four.

Wolvaardt’s abiding impact on the World Cup had been a stunning catch against Thailand but went through the gears with back-to-back fours off Aiman Anwar.

South Africa’s score ticked past 100 in the 17th over and that saw Sune Luus depart for 12, looping Aiman to Omaima Sohail at point.

Wolvaardt reeled off a pair of cover drives in the penultimate over as Aiman’s tendency to leak runs reared its head.

Wolvaardt's classy hand reached its zenith in the final over as she pierced the gap between two fielders through long-on and then twice stayed leg side to heave over cover.

Momentum from South Africa’s finish remained with them as Muneeba Ali (12) miscued Shabnim Ismail to mid-on in the fourth over.

Confusion reigned as Umaima Sohail drove Van Niekerk straight to Wolvaardt at cover and set off, stranded for a duck with Javeria unmoved at the other end.

Van Niekerk was maddened by a pair of misfields in her second over and responded by taking pace off to trap Nida lbw as Pakistan sunk to 26 for three.

Javeria battled on, taking boundaries in three successive overs, but her 100th T20I ended in cruel fashion on 31 when Chloe Tryon deflected Aliya Riaz’s drive onto her stumps.

Aliya came off in style with 41 against England but couldn’t get going with Sidra Nawaz, the keeper-batter clean bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the 15th over at 72 for five.

The six-hitting ability of Iram and Aliya kept Pakistan in the game and they both cleared the rope after the fifth wicket fell, but an unbeaten 47-run partnership proved in vain.

Scores in brief

South Africa beat Pakistan by 17 runs, Sydney Showground

South Africa 136-2, 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 53 not out, Marizanne Kapp 31; Diana Baig 2-19)
Pakistan 119-5, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 39no; Javeria Khan 31; Shabnim Ismail 1-20)
 
Lahore, 1 March 2020:

South Africa Women beat Pakistan Women by 17 runs to secure a semi-final berth in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

In the Group-B fixture played at Sydney Showground Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan managed 119 for five in their pursuit of the 137-run target.

In-form Aliya Riaz was the top-scorer in the Pakistan innings with an unbeaten 32-ball 39. The all-rounder struck three fours and a six.

Captain Javeria Khan, playing her 100th T20I, made 31 off 34, hitting four fours, and helped her side stage a recovery after an early collapse which saw Pakistan lose three wickets for eight runs as the scorecard read 26 for three inside seven overs.

Pakistan seemed to gain momentum, but Javeria’s run-out in the 11th over at the non-striker’s end swung the match in South Africa’s favour. Aliya struck the ball down the ground and as Chloe Tryon, the bowler, went down in her follow-through to field, it rolled onto the stumps after deflecting off her fingers.

Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt scored an unbeaten 53 from 36 balls after South Africa opted to bat. The right-hand batter struck eight fours and was instrumental in helping her side set up a competitive score.

Diana Baig struck early and had South Africa one down for four runs with the wicket of Lizelle Lee (four) on the fourth ball of the match. The medium-fast bowler struck again as Lee’s opening partner Dane Van Niekerk (three) was also back in the pavilion as Diana bowled her in the fifth over.

Marizanne Kapp, batting at three, denied any further inroads and pushed back the Pakistan bowlers with her 32-ball 31, which include two fours and a six.

Diana returned two for 19 in four overs, while all other four bowlers – Anam Amin, Aiman Anwer, Syeda Aroob Shah and Nida Dar – picked up a wicket each.

In their last group fixture, Pakistan play Thailand Women at the same venue on Tuesday, 3 March.

Scores in brief

South Africa Women 136-6, 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 53 not out, Marizanne Kapp 31; Diana Baig 2-19)

Pakistan Women 119-5, 20 0vers (Aliya Riaz 39 not out, Javeria Khan 31)

Result South Africa Women win by 17 runs.
 
ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2020 Tournament Thread

Just got the news that our girls are out of the tournament :(. Still though, beating West Indies Women was a good achievement. I hope that they´ll keep improving in the years to come.
 
WOLVAARDT PUTS PROTEAS ON ROAD TO WORLD CUP SEMIS

Sunday, 01 March 2020

A flying half-century by Laura Wolvaardt followed by a disciplined bowling display helped the Momentum Proteas Women book their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 17-run win over Pakistan in Sydney on Sunday.

The opening batsman, who is batting lower down the order in this competition, blasted an unbeaten 53 off 36 balls (8 fours), to help South Africa post 136 for six after they won the toss and opted to bat.

Shabnim Ismail and Dane van Niekerk then claimed tidy figures of one for 17 apiece as the Asian side were restricted to 119 for five in reply.

That was not enough, with Hilton Moreeng’s girls going on to celebrate their third win in three at the finals thus far, with their final match against West Indies to come on Tuesday.

It has been an excellent World Cup for the South Africans thus far and they continued the good start at the Sydney Showground Stadium, where they knew that victory in the Group B encounter would help them secure a first semi-final ticket since 2014.

Having stunned England in their first match and then demolished Thailand on Friday, they came into the game on a high.

But Pakistani paceman Diana Baig (2/19) put them in a hole early on by dismissing Lizelle Lee, a centurion in the previous game, for just four, and followed that up by cleaning up captain Van Niekerk for three.

That left the Proteas on 17 for two, with the fit-again Marizanne Kapp (31) and Mignon du Preez (17) rebuilding with a 37-run third wicket stand that helped them get to halfway at 54 for three.

That brought Player of the Match Wolvaardt to the middle and she provided the kick her team needed to lift them to a 137-run target with her second T20I half-century.

For Pakistan to get close, they needed a good start, but that did not come as Muneeba Ali (12), Umaima Sohail (0) and the key, Nida Dar (3), all fell cheaply.

The former and the latter were dismissed by Ismail and Van Niekerk respectively, with Sohail run-out by Wolvaardt and Trisha Chetty leaving the total on 26 for three.

Another run-out and the wicket of Sidra Nawaz (3) for Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/20) then left Pakistan in further strife on 72 for five.

Aliya Riaz (39 not out) and stand-in captain Javeria Khan (31) tried their best to get things going, but they failed as SA closed out what turned out to be a relatively comfortable win.

Momentum Proteas ICC Women’s T20 playing XI against Thailand:

Dané van Niekerk (captain, Eastern Province), Lizelle Lee (North West), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Mignon du Preez (Northerns), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province), Suné Luus (Northerns), Chloe Tryon (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Shabnim Ismail (KZN Coastal), Trisha Chetty (KZN Coastal), Ayabonga Khaka (Gauteng), Nonkululeko Mlaba (KZN Coastal
 
Batting heroics leave Wolvaardt thrilled with semi-final spot

Laura Wolvaardt labelled her maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup half-century as the best contribution she has made with the bat for South Africa.

Laura Wolvaardt scored a half-century in her first innings of the tournamentSouth Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finalsJaveria Khan is eyeing up further Pakistan improvements following defeat in Sydney

Wolvaardt defied a tricky Sydney Showground pitch to post a brilliant 53 not out from 36 balls, a knock that proved vital in her side’s 17-run victory over Pakistan.

The win saw the Proteas book their semi-final spot and it made the wait worthwhile for the 20-year-old, who had yet to bat in the tournament in her new position at No.5.

"It really meant a lot to me, it's probably the biggest contribution I've made to this team if I think about the importance of today and the World Cup,” she said.

"I'm really happy things worked out the way they did.

"I've been itching to get going, but me not batting is the first two games is a good thing for the team.

"I'm not a natural big hitter, it's been quite a journey for me to get that spot in this T20 side, it's been something I've working really hard on.

“We have a lot of individual match-winners in the side, we've spoken a lot about bringing it all together. The way we're going about our games is really amazing compared to the last World Cup.

“To see the position we're in now is such a relief for us, we know it's there - we're just happy it's shining.”

Defeat for Pakistan means they need the remaining Group B results to go their way, as well as a swing in net run rate, to make the last four.

Learnings have been evident in their stint in Australia but captain Javeria Khan knows they still have things to work on if they wish to challenge the top teams.

Runs were not flowing at the Showground but with their bowling and fielding erring late on, Pakistan conceded 54 in the last five overs as Wolvaardt found her timing with aplomb.

One game remains against Thailand with Javeria keen to show how far her side have come since the last Women’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies.

“We’re disappointed in this game, it was a really good performance in the first 16 overs, but we lagged behind in the last four overs with the ball,” said Javeria, who replaced the injured Bismah Maroof as captain.

“We weren’t up with the plans, we didn’t execute the plans well and we lost our way in the field a bit.

“With the bat, we need to understand when the best time to accelerate is. We left it too late, but it was a much-improved performance from the girls.

“We are making fewer mistakes than the past, but it is a case of learning what needs to be done in the situation.

“As we play more matches, we’ll understand the need to accelerate at the right time in the future.”
 
Nat Sciver and England’s spinners combined to devastating effect as victory over West Indies secured their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals.

England are into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup knockout stages for the sixth timeA comprehensive win over West Indies sent Heather Knight’s side to the last fourEngland can still top Group B if fellow qualifiers South Africa lose to West Indies on Tuesday

All-rounder Sciver picked up from where she left off to score her third half-century of the tournament, helping England to post 143 for five on a tricky track.

West Indies’ response never got going with Lee-Ann Kirby top-scoring with 20 at the Sydney Showground.

That was largely thanks to the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone (three for seven), Sarah Glenn (two for 16) and Mady Villiers (one for 30), helping dismiss West Indies for 97 to win by 46 runs.

England started afresh with Tammy Beaumont joining Danni Wyatt atop the order but the move didn’t work out, the new opener trapped lbw by Shakera Selman in the first over.

Wyatt then fell to a superb catch in the deep from Hayley Matthews off Anisa Mohammed but in Sciver and captain Heather Knight, England had the best duo for the rebuild job.

With more than 70 per cent of their team’s runs in the tournament, the importance of Knight and Sciver is not lost with the latter reaching her third half-century in four games in this Women’s T20 World Cup.

By then Knight (17) was run out brilliantly by Selman and Fran Wilson had holed out to Britney Cooper at deep midwicket off Afy Fletcher, with England 102 for four with four overs remaining.

Amy Jones, in a new role at No.6, found back-to-back off-side boundaries off Stafanie Taylor but had to watch Sciver finally depart for 57 in the same over to take her tournament tally to 202 runs in four matches.

Just six balls remained as Brunt joined Jones in the middle, the bowler striking boundaries from the last two balls of the innings to take England to 143 for five.

West Indies also tinkered with their top order as Deandra Dottin opened up, but her innings ended on just nine with Ecclestone having her snaffled by short midwicket.

Taylor struck two boundaries off Brunt to end the Powerplay but that was to be her last significant contribution, stretchered off in the eighth over and retiring hurt from the innings.

From there England seized the impetus as star leg-spinner Glenn got into her work, bowling Hayley Matthews with her eighth ball to leave West Indies two down in the ninth over.

It was to get even better for the spin unit, off-spinner Villiers marking her first Women’s T20 World Cup over with a wicket maiden after taking a smart return catch off Shemaine Campbelle.

At 42 for three come halfway, West Indies had work to do with 102 still required and their task was tougher still when Chedean Nation edged Glenn to wicket-keeper Jones without scoring.

Lee-Ann Kirby (20) did her best to inject some momentum with towering sixes off Glenn and Villiers but Anya Shrubsole ended her exploits when the big-hitter was held by Sciver at long-on.

England boast the best economy rate for spinners in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 and with each of Ecclestone, Glenn and Villiers bowling a maiden, they weren’t letting up.

Ecclestone, who has now taken wickets in her last 18 T20I matches, had Britney Cooper stumped while Villiers completed back-to-back run-outs of Afy Fletcher and Aaliyah Alleyne.

Ecclestone then had the last say, taking her 100th international wicket by bowling Anisa Mohammed to send England into the last four.

Scores in brief

England beat West Indies by 46 runs, Sydney Showground

England 143-5, 20 overs (Nat Sciver 57, Danni Wyatt 29; Anisa Mohammed 1-23)
West Indies 97 all out, 17.1 overs (Lee-Ann Kirby 20; Sophie Ecclestone 3-7, Sarah Glenn 2-16)
 
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South Africa and England qualify for semi-finals

South Africa and England have qualified for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals after both secured Group B victories at the Sydney Showground.

South Africa beat Pakistan in Sydney to reach the last fourEngland joined them with victory over West IndiesThe Proteas can top the pool with victory over West Indies in their last game

The Proteas got the better of Pakistan to record their third victory from three, with Laura Wolvaardt in excellent form with the bat in her first innings of the tournament.

Dane van Niekerk’s side will top the group if they beat West Indies in their final match on Tuesday.

Should they lose then England will take top spot after they ended their first stage with a win over Stafanie Taylor’s side.

Wolvaardt roars to take Proteas through

South Africa maintained their perfect Group B record as Laura Wolvaardt’s superb half-century helped the Proteas to a 17-run win over Pakistan.

Wolvaardt had yet to bat in Australia but made up for lost time in style, a plethora of straight and cover drives lighting up the Showground in her 53 from 36 balls.

Classy cricket formed the 20-year-old’s approach, making the most of a tricky pitch which saw none of the four batters above her score quicker than a run a ball.

Pakistan had a similarly tough time with bat in hand, Aliya Riaz’s 39 not out not enough to win in Sydney with Shabnim Ismail, Dane van Niekerk and Nonkululeko Mlaba each taking a wicket.

"It really meant a lot to me, it's probably the biggest contribution I've made to this team if I think about the importance of today and the World Cup,” said Wolvaardt.

"I've been itching to get going, but me not batting is the first two games is a good thing for the team.

"I'm not a natural big hitter, it's been quite a journey for me to get that spot in this T20 side, it's been something I've working really hard on.

“We have a lot of individual match-winners in the side, we've spoken a lot about bringing it all together. The way we're going about our games is really amazing compared to the last World Cup.”

Pakistan captain Javeria Khan added: “We’re disappointed in this game, it was a really good performance in the first 16 overs, but we lagged behind in the last four overs with the ball.

“We weren’t up with the plans, we didn’t execute the plans well and we lost our way in the field a bit.

“With the bat, we need to understand when the best time to accelerate is. We left it too late, but it was a much-improved performance from the girls.

“As we play more matches, we’ll understand the need to accelerate at the right time in the future.”

England complete turnaround with Windies win

England joined the Proteas in the last four with a clinical performance over the West Indies, victorious by 46 runs.

Nat Sciver continued her scintillating start to the tournament with a third half-century in four matches as England racked up 143 for five.

England’s spinners were exceptional in response, Sarah Glenn and Mady Villiers both picking up wickets while Sophie Ecclestone led the way with three wickets.

West Indies struggled in their chase, bowled out for 97 with captain Stafanie Taylor retiring hurt after picking up an injury in the middle.

“I think all the girls knew how much of a big thing it was for everyone to be in the World Cup,” said Ecclestone, speaking about the reaction to England’s opening defeat to South Africa.

“I think everyone just trained a hit harder and was having a bit of a laugh and a joke because that’s when we're at our best, so everyone was really happy and ready to go for the next game.

“I think it was a bit of a wake-up call for us all to be like, right, we're in the World Cup now, we need to up our game, we did and I'm really glad how the girls have fought back.

“We needed to get West Indies two or three down early. Deandra Dottin and Hayley Matthews are obviously key players for them, so we needed to stick to our plans and bowl stump to stump, which we did.”

West Indies bowler Shakera Selman added: “We haven’t played our best cricket. We struggled against Thailand and we didn’t show up with the bat all in this game.

“It was good to have Deandra Dottin back, I was also out for a while with an injury, and it was good to have the senior players back.

“The senior players obviously needed to step up and execute, and we didn't do that in this tournament.

“As a team, we didn’t stick to the basics well enough and we weren’t positive enough while we were out there.

“It’s a worry, any team worries when senior players aren’t performing.

“The only way is forward, we know what we’re capable of as a team and we want to be able to show that, our next series is South Africa in June.”

Scores in brief

South Africa beat Pakistan by 17 runs, Sydney Showground

South Africa 136-2, 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 53 not out, Marizanne Kapp 31; Diana Baig 2-19)
Pakistan 119-5, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 39 not out; Javeria Khan 31; Shabnim Ismail 1-20)

England beat West Indies by 46 runs, Sydney Showground

England 143-5, 20 overs (Nat Sciver 57, Danni Wyatt 29; Anisa Mohammed 1-23)
West Indies 97 all out, 17.1 overs (Lee-Ann Kirby 20; Sophie Ecclestone 3-7, Sarah Glenn 2-16)
 
Siriwardena shines on Sri Lanka swansong

Shashikala Siriwardena produced the perfect swansong to her international career by taking four wickets in Sri Lanka’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 victory over Bangladesh.

Shashikala Siriwardena took four for 16 in her final international appearance for Sri LankaAchini Kulasuriya took two scalps to help steer Sri Lanka to victory in their final game of the tournament against BangladeshHasini Perera hit 39 not out to ensure Sri Lanka bowed out on a high in Melbourne

Siriwardena’s World Cup best and Achini Kulasuriya’s two for 19 saw Bangladesh slip up in their final match of the tournament.

Hasini Perera’s 39 not out helped to seal Sri Lanka’s first victory by nine wickets with 27 balls to spare.

Siriwardena’s figures were the best in the tournament to date in her final international match, with her four for 16 a memorable farewell after 17 years of service to Sri Lankan cricket.

She started her swansong just as she would have hoped, removing Murshida Khatun for three when Hasini Perera caught the opener off a top edge.

Her replacement Sanjida Islam (13) didn’t last long as Kulasuriya took a wicket on the first ball of her spell before trapping Ayasha Rahman (6) lbw to finish her first over with figures of two for two.

Held at 26 for three at the end of the Powerplay, Bangladesh struggled to find any rhythm with the bat as Nigar Sultana Joty (39) and Fargana Hoque Pinky (13) could only take the score on the board to 39 by the midway point.

Sri Lanka continued to bowl economical overs, with Kavisha Dilhari conceding two from her first over before taking her first wicket as she removed Fargana lbw for 13.

Siriwardena took her second scalp of the afternoon when Udeskika Prabodani caught Rumana Ahmed at short fine leg for a duck and added a third when Ritu Moni was caught in the ring by Sugandika Kumari for eight.

Fahima Khatun was dismissed in the same fashion in the penultimate over for one, while Nigar Sultana was run out by Chamari Athapaththu having scored five boundaries in Bangladesh’s 91 for eight.

A wicket maiden from captain Salma Khatun in the first over started Bangladesh off well but they were left rueing a crucial wicket when Fargana dropped Athapaththu at mid-off in the second over.

And the skipper’s 51-run opening partnership with Hasini Perera set Sri Lanka well on their way in the 92-run chase, both batters finding two boundaries - and Athapaththu a six - in the Powerplay.

The captain looked to be finding her groove when she blasted another six over Rumana at the boundary in the eighth but was removed on the next ball when stumped off Nahida Akter.

That scalp proved the perfect 20th-birthday present for Nahida, who became the youngest female bowler to 50 T20I wickets.

After their flying start Sri Lanka were slowed by Bangladesh’s bowlers but Perera’s 39 not out sealed the nine-wicket victory as they bowed out on a high.

Today’s result though does not have a bearing on qualification for the next edition of the tournament.

Hosts South Africa and the seven other top teams in the MRF Tyres Women’s T20I Team Rankings on 30 November 2021 will qualify automatically for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Scores in brief

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by nine wickets, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Bangladesh 91-8, 20 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 39; Shashikala Siriwardena 4-16, Achini Kulasuriya 2-19)
Sri Lanka 92-1, 15.3 overs (Hasini Perera 39 not out, Chamari Athapaththu 30; Nahida Akter 1-18)
 
Boochatham looking for statement finish to Thailand’s World Cup

Thailand’s Nattaya Boochatham says her side can set the tone for the future of their nation’s cricket as they bow out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against Pakistan.

Thailand have made a name for themselves on debut in AustraliaNow Boochatham is hoping to turn goodwill into good performancesAlready-eliminated Pakistan are seeking further improvement Down Under

Defeats to West Indies, England and South Africa have made it a challenging debut at the tournament for Sornarrin Tippoch’s outfit.

But with a final opportunity to clinch an historic win over already-eliminated Pakistan, Boochatham hopes Thailand can show the way for a whole country with their closing performance at the Sydney Showground.

“It would be a big statement if we were to win the last game,” said Boochatham.
“We want to play our best cricket and show how well we’ve prepared. In the past few games, we haven’t been firing and haven’t demonstrated how well we’ve been working.

“Some of the games have been a wake-up call for us that motivates us to go home, improve our skills and various areas of cricket, so the world can see that we can play.

“It’s a good motivation for us to set the benchmark for the new generation of Thai cricketers coming into the team, that this is the level you have to be performing at. Hopefully we can set a good role model.

“We have got off to good starts in games and we’ve learnt about the need to capitalise on that, because if you don’t, teams like England and South Africa run away from you.

“We’ve been exposed, but that’s not a bad thing. We have room to improve and come back stronger.”

Pakistan can ultimately look back on an opportunity missed after an opening victory over West Indies plunged them into contention for the knockout stages.

But defeats to England and South Africa scuppered their hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time as they fell at the opening hurdle for the seventh time.

All-rounder Iram Javed says Pakistan have soaked up every second of the World Cup experience and will go all out to end on a high note against Thailand.

“We won’t take Thailand lightly, we will play our fearless cricket in the last game and hopefully we’ll manage to get the win,” said Iram.

“There is always a chance of improvement in any sport and we are improving day-by-day. We’ve learnt so many things at this World Cup.

“We’ve watched and played against big teams like Australia and England and we can take a lot from them.

“We’ll come into the next World Cups in good spirits and to play good cricket.”
 
Mooney and Wareham take Australia to semi-finals

Beth Mooney’s brilliant half-century proved the difference as Australia beat New Zealand by four runs to make the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals.

Beth Mooney hit 60 off 50 balls to help Australia to 155 for five in their must-win match with New Zealand Georgia Wareham’s three for 17 sent the top-order into collapse and ensured a semi-final berth for the hosts and four-time championsAustralia will face either South Africa or England in the semi-finals in Sydney

Mooney’s 60 runs from 50 balls, including six fours and two sixes, helped Australia to 155 for five with the White Ferns requiring the highest successful chase of the tournament to win at Junction Oval.

New Zealand, who have made the semi-finals once since 2012, fell agonisingly short as their top-order struggled in Melbourne for the third successive game.

Megan Schutt took three for 22 but Georgia Wareham (three for 17) was the pick of the bowlers after taking the crucial wickets of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine and Maddy Green to set Australia on their way.

It was far from the start the hosts would have wanted as star opener Alyssa Healy fell cheaply when she hit in-form Hayley Jensen straight to Amelia Kerr at mid-wicket.

But the second-wicket partnership of Mooney and Meg Lanning quickly put them back into control, the pair hitting five boundaries between them to end the Powerplay at 38 for one.

The skipper was in no mood to settle for singles as she hit back-to-back fours off Anna Peterson’s first two balls but her actions proved over-ambitious as her top-edged sweep was caught by Lea Tahuhu at short fine leg for 21.

With Healy and Lanning gone, Mooney was left to steer the ship and she did so in remarkable fashion, blasting two sixes over mid-on followed by hitting successive boundaries in the 13th to grab her half-century.

The Australian celebrations were short-lived, however, as Leigh Kasperek bowled Ashleigh Gardner for 20.

Mooney then fell in the 18th over when Bates took an excellent tumbling catch at long-on off Peterson to end her stay in the middle.

Ellyse Perry made 21 before being stumped by Rachel Priest on the penultimate ball while 19 from Rachael Haynes helped the hosts set a high chase.

Priest powered New Zealand into a promising start, hitting three boundaries in the first three overs but the opener was sent packing in the fourth when Jess Jonassen trapped her lbw for 17.

It was a steady start from Devine and Bates but a misfield allowed Bates to bring needed momentum to the chase with two boundaries in the seventh.

But Bates once again fell short of her well-known potential as she was dismissed lbw by Wareham for 14 in the next over.

The hosts did well to restrict their opponents but were dealt with a blow when Perry was forced off the field after sustaining a hamstring injury.

Wareham’s second wicket may just prove her biggest yet as she dismissed Devine for 31 thanks to Healy’s quick reaction with the gloves, leaving New Zealand’s middle-order under pressure.

Two sixes from Green helped to lower the required run rate but she was the next to fall victim to Wareham’s canny bowling when Healy stumped her for 28.

The introduction of Kerr, who set up a thrilling finale against India with her bat, couldn’t turn things around as the 19-year-old was bowled by Schutt for two before Jensen was caught by Nicola Carey at mid-off first ball.

Anna Peterson was bowled by Schutt in the penultimate over for nine while Katey Martin’s (37 not out) late striking wasn’t enough to send the White Ferns through.

Scores in brief

Australia beat New Zealand by four runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Australia 155-5, 20 overs (Beth Mooney 60, Ellyse Perry 21; Anna Peterson 2-31)
New Zealand 151-7, 20 overs (Katey Martin 37 not out, Georgia Wareham 3-17, Megan Schutt 3-28)
 
Australia complete semi-final line-up in Junction Oval thriller

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-final line-up is complete after Australia overcame New Zealand to reach the knockout stages on home soil.

Australia have reached the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals after beating New ZealandThe hosts join India, South Africa and England in the last fourShashikala Siriwardena (four for 16) signed off in style to help Sri Lanka finish with a win

The two sides locked horns in a winner-takes-all affair with Meg Lanning’s side triumphant in Melbourne, with Beth Mooney’s half-century leading the way first up.

Megan Schutt and Georgia Wareham then shone with the ball to take Australia into the last four alongside India, South Africa and England.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka ended their Women’s T20 World Cup on a high as Shashikala Siriwardena bowed out of international cricket with four wickets in victory over Bangladesh.

Australia hold their nerve to progress

Defeat in Australia’s first game ensured error-free cricket was needed thereon and they delivered in style to record their third successive win of the tournament.

Beth Mooney dominated with the bat with her 60 from 50 balls leading the charge after New Zealand had put the hosts in at Junction Oval.

Wickets at regular intervals thwarted Sophie Devine’s side with leg-spinner Georgia Wareham brilliant with the ball, dismissing Suzie Bates, Maddy Green and the captain herself.

Katey Martin (37 not out) threatened to win the day but the White Ferns fell just four runs short of victory as their hopes of Women’s T20 World Cup glory ended in disappointment.

But it wasn’t all perfection for Australia, with star all-rounder Ellyse Perry forced to leave the field with a hamstring injury midway through the chase.

“Ellyse has been a massive part of our squad and team for a long time and you can’t replace her,” said captain Meg Lanning.

“But we’ve got 15 players here who can do a job and you need a squad to win a World Cup. You can’t rely on one or two players and use the same 11 players every game

“We’re going to have to use the depth we’ve got — that’s just the reality of elite sport, unfortunately.

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens, but I have full confidence that whoever comes in can play a role.

“Today’s performance was our best of the tournament so far. I don’t think we could be better placed for the semi-finals.”

New Zealand skipper Devine added: “We let them off the hook at the end of the innings. It would have been a masterstroke at the end if we could have won.

“Certainly skill-wise we’re there. Everyone knows we’re a really talented side. Whether it’s a mindset, game awareness of experience playing in those high-pressure situations. When we get back home, we’ll certainly go through everything.

“That’s the thing about Australia. It doesn’t matter who on the day but someone always seems to step up for them.

“We’re actually really close. To think we’ve taken both Australia and India within five of six runs.”

Sri Lanka’s perfect finale for Siriwardena

Taking four wickets in a nine-wicket win - Shashikala Siriwardena couldn’t have asked for much more in her final outing for Sri Lanka.

The spinner finished with four for 16, the best figures of this edition to date, to help restrict Bangladesh to 91 for eight in their last Group A match.

Chamari Athapaththu, as she has so often in this tournament, shone with the bat to lead Sri Lanka’s chase with 30 from 22 balls.

But this time she had some top-order support through Hasini Perera (39 not out), guiding her country to fourth spot in the group by winning with four overs remaining.

“From the beginning of the day it was very hard as I knew I was playing my last game,” said Siriwardena.

“I was kind of nervous knowing I would be wearing national colours for the last time. It was pretty emotional, but I told myself it wasn’t the time to get emotional.

“I knew my contribution would be important so I told myself to not think about my retirement until the match ended. I really love to perform, but the main thing was getting the win for the team.

“I’m truly satisfied that I did something to help my country. I’ll miss being with these girls. I have spent more time with this team than with my family.”

Bangladesh captain Salma Khatun added: “We need to keep regularly playing the top-ranked teams in order to improve. The more we play with them, the more we’ll improve. That’s the key for us.

“In one match we batted well, in another we bowled well but our fielding has been a constant concern.

“This experience will help us to move forward. The most important things we need to improve on are our power cricket and level of fitness.

“Our fitness is the main thing that will help us improve our skills and performance.”

Scores in brief

Australia beat New Zealand by four runs, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Australia 155-5, 20 overs (Beth Mooney 60, Ellyse Perry 21; Anna Peterson 2-31)
New Zealand 151-7, 20 overs (Katey Martin 37 not out, Georgia Wareham 3-17, Megan Schutt 3-28)

Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by nine wickets, Junction Oval, Melbourne

Bangladesh 91-8, 20 overs (Nigar Sultana Joty 39; Shashikala Siriwardena 4-16, Achini Kulasuriya 2-19)
Sri Lanka 92-1, 15.3 overs (Hasini Perera 39 not out, Chamari Athapaththu 30; Nahida Akter 1-18)
 
Lanning: New Zealand victory was our best performance so far

Meg Lanning believes Australia are peaking at the perfect time after beating New Zealand by four runs to reach the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 semi-finals.

Meg Lanning admitted she felt relief after Australia beat New Zealand to progress to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finalsThe hosts set the White Ferns a chase of 156 and managed to keep them at bay despite the loss of Ellyse Perry through injuryLanning is confident her squad has the quality and depth needed to beat South Africa or England in Sydney

Beth Mooney’s brilliant half-century and three wickets apiece for Georgia Wareham and Megan Schutt helped the hosts fend off the White Ferns in their must-win clash in Melbourne, sealing their spot in the last-four for the seventh edition in a row.

The Australians, who won all their group games since the opening defeat to India, never wanted to do it the do-or-die way.

But captain Lanning is confident the early reality check has helped her side find their best form at the right time, with South Africa and England looming as potential last-four opponents.

“Today’s performance was our best of the tournament so far,” said Lanning. “I don’t think we could be better placed for the semi-finals.

“It’s certainly nice to have a win against a really good team and I thought it was a really good performance.

“We started well and were able to calm the situation down early with Beth Mooney playing a really good hand.

“We were under the pump with the ball a little bit but I think we dealt with it extremely well to get over the line against a really good New Zealand team.

“Our first challenge for this tournament to get out of the group stage and to have done that now is certainly a nice feeling.”

Despite winning by four runs, the hosts were dealt a blow in Melbourne when Ellyse Perry, who had to pass a fitness test to play, was forced off after sustaining a hamstring injury.

The star all-rounder is yet to miss a Women’s T20 World Cup match since the tournament began in 2009 but question marks now linger over the likelihood of her keeping that record intact.

Her absence isn’t something that worries Lanning, however, the skipper instead confident she has a squad capable of stepping up to the mark.

“Ellyse has been a massive part of our squad and team for a long time and you can’t replace her,” added Lanning. “But we’ve got 15 players here who can do a job and you need a squad to win a World Cup.

“You can’t rely on one or two players and use the same 11 players every game.

“We’re going to have to use the depth we’ve got - that’s just the reality of elite sport, unfortunately.

“We’ll have to wait and see what happens, but I have full confidence that whoever comes in can play a role.”

For New Zealand, the loss marks another heart-breaking World Cup exit, the White Ferns now missing out on making the semi-finals of an ICC tournament for a third successive time.

It came down to the finest of margins with them coming four runs short of the highest chase of the tournament at the Junction Oval with Katey Martin’s (37 not out) late striking not enough to turn the game around.

While disappointed she couldn’t steer her side to success, skipper Sophie Devine says the defeat is far from agonising and is convinced her side are closer than ever to returning to the top.

“I thought it was a fantastic chase at the end there to get so close,” she said.

“It would have been a masterstroke at the end if we could have won, but I think we let them off the hook at the end of the innings.

“Australia are a good side because they strangle teams. It’s about how you can get around that and break it up.

“The thing about them is it doesn’t matter who on the day, but someone always seems to step up for them.

“Certainly skill-wise we’re there. Everyone knows we’re a really talented side and we want to keep pushing and prove we deserve to be up there. We’re actually really close.”
 
Karachi, 2 March 2020:



Pakistan will play their last Group-B match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup against Thailand on Tuesday at the Sydney Showground Stadium.



England and South Africa have already booked the two semi-final spots from the group hence the Pakistan-Thailand match will have no bearing on the group’s semi-finalists.



Pakistan lost captain Bismah Maroof after the game against England, the left-handed top-order batter broke her thumb and was ruled out of the tournament. Javeria Khan who played her 100th T20I for Pakistan on Sunday (against South Africa) will lead the team against Thailand after also doing the captaincy duty on Sunday.



Despite losing out on semi-final berths, Pakistan are keen on leaving the tournament on a high.



Fast bowler Diana Baig has had an impressive tournament. She has provided Pakistan breakthroughs in opening overs of all three matches. The right-armer has picked-up five wickets in three games at 12.80 with a miserly 5.33 economy rate.



In what will be Pakistan’s last outing in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Diana wants to leave a mark against Thailand.



Diana Baig said: “We are disappointed at losing out on the semi-final spot since we had a very good chance especially after beating West Indies. But now our focus is on producing a clinical performance against Thailand and finishing the tournament on a high.



“I have enjoyed bowling on Australian pitches especially with the new ball; I feel I have good rhythm which has helped me get early wickets in all three matches. I hope to produce a good performance on Tuesday and lead my team to a victory.”



Aimen Anwar, Diana’s new-ball partner has taken six wickets so far at 17.50. At present she is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan, Aimen however has been a touch expensive with her 8.75 economy rate.



Javeria with 82 runs at 27.33 and 106.49 strike-rate is Pakistan’s leading run scorer going into the Thailand game. All-rounder Aliya Riaz who has provided fireworks in the lower-order has an 80-run tally with only a single dismissal. She has maintained a healthy 123.07 strike-rate.



Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup:



Javeria Khan (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah



Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst).



Upcoming fixtures:



3 March – Pakistan v Thailand, 9am (PST)
 
New Zealand are knocked out of the 2020 ICC Women's Twenty20 Cup with defeat to reigning champions Australia today in Melbourne. This is a third consecutive ICC Event where the White Ferns have failed to reach the semi finals along with the 2017 Womens World Cup in England and 2018 Women's World Twenty20 in West Indies where they also fell short of making the last four. In all of those events they experienced a defeat to India in the pool stages which cost them dearly.

It could have been a special day for New Zealand Cricket with the Blackcaps wrapping up a 2-0 Test series victory in Christchurch earlier in the day. However, Sophie Devine's side weren't able to knockout the Southern Stars in a virtual quarter final later in the day. It was a missed opportunity for the Kiwis. New Zealand will now turn their attention to the 2021 Women's ODI World Cup which they host this time next year.

They have performed poorly in the ICC Women's ODI Championship too and will need to lift their game before they host the World Cup early next year. Last time the Women's World Cup was held in New Zealand was in 2000 and that is the only world title the White Ferns have won in the women's game up to now.

However, New Zealand did only experience narrow defeats to India and Australia in this tournament. On both occasions they fell just one scoring shot short of reaching their required target.

Pakistan on the other hand, will be looking for a consolation victory over Thailand to finish as the best non qualifier from their group tomorrow before flying back home. Their focus now shifts to the Women's ODI World Cup in 2021 where they have never ever won a game in three of the four ODI World Cup tournaments they've participated in in 1997, 2013 and 2017 respectively.

Pakistan in Women's World Cup

1997 = Won 0 out of 5. Captain was Shaiza Khan.
2009 = Won 1 out of 3. Captain was Urooj Mumtaz.
2013 = Won 0 out of 4. Captain was Sana Mir.
2017 = Won 0 out of 7. Captain was Sana Mir.
2021 = ???? in New Zealand.

Pakistan in Women's Twenty20 World Cup

2016 = Beat India and Bangladesh. Captain was Sana Mir.
2018 = Beat Ireland. Captain was Javeria Khan.
2020 = Beat West Indies. Captain was Bismah Maroof.
2022 = ???? in South Africa.

They also have the 2022 Commonwealth games to aim towards which is phenomenally exciting for the profile of Women's Cricket. It will be a T20 event. Pakistan have experienced gold medal success in the 2010 and 2014 Asian Games.
 
But the fact of the matter remains that Pakistan have now played 10 world events in a row since 2009 where they've not made the semi finals. I'm excluding the 1997 Women's World Cup in India that Pakistan participated in given they were vastly inexperienced in the international circuit at the time and it was a mere miracle how they even managed to get a team together to play in it given the non existence of women's cricket in Pakistan up until the mid 1990s. It is time to start producing.

Interesting game tomorrow between South Africa and West Indies. Losing for South Africa could be a blessing in disguise to avoid the might of Australia in the semi finals. They'd rather face India deep down by finishing second in the pool. India have been chokers in women's knockout encounters historically. In fact in all cricket you could say since 2014: losing 9 ICC semi finals or finals across men's, women's and U19 cricket.
 
Pakistan Women vs Thailand Women, 19th Match, Group B
Mar 03 • 7:00 AM at Sydney Showground Stadium, Sydney
THAIW 150/3 (20.0 Ovs) • PAKW
No result


due to rain
 
Pakistan women finished off their ICC Women’s T20 campaign with a rain abandoned match against Thailand women at the Sydney Showground Stadium on Tuesday.



Heavy rain and showers after Thailand’s innings forced a premature end to the match without a single ball bowled in Pakistan’s 151-run chase.



Pakistan finished the tournament with three points from four Group B games. They beat West Indies by eight wickets in their opening match before losing to England and South Africa which ended their hopes of a semi-final spot from the five-team group.



Earlier on Tuesday, Thailand won the toss and opted to bat first. Openers Nattakan Chantam and Nattaya Boochatham got their team off to a flying start courtesy a 93-run first wicket partnership.



Boochatham was dismissed for 44 (40 balls, 8 fours) in the 14th over by spinner Anam Amin, Chantam went on to complete her half-century (56 off 50 balls, 10 fours), she was sent packing by Diana Baig who took a fine catch off her own bowling in the 16th over.



Chanida Sutthiruang (20 off 15 balls, two fours) and wicketkeeper batter Nannapat Koncharoenkai (20 not out off 13 balls, three fours) carried on the good work done by the openers by maintaining the tempo in the death overs.



Thailand finished their 20 overs at an impressive 150 for three (Highest T20I total for Thailand), Nida Dar (1-17), Diana Baig (1-21) and Aman Amin (1-40) took the three Thailand wickets to fall.



Scores in brief:



Thailand Women 150 for 3, 20 overs (Nattakan Chantam 56, Nattaya Boochatham 44; Nida Dar 1-17, Diana Baig 1-21)
 
Thank God for the rain.
Such a poor show of bowling by Pakistan. How could we have let Thailand get to 150.
After the first match vs WI this WC has been a major disappointment.
 
This is embarrassing.
One of the reasons why Pakistan can’t have a women’s team.
 
Thailand batters shine in washed-out finale
Natthakan Chantam’s historic half-century ensured Thailand’s unforgettable ICC Women’s T20 World Cup debut finished in record-breaking fashion despite rain prematurely ending their final match against Pakistan.
Thailand have broken new ground in Australia and they took that one further by making 150 for three when batting first at the Sydney Showground.

Chantam (56) registered her country’s first Women’s T20 World Cup half-century in accruing 93 for the opening wicket with Nattaya Boochatham (44), with the batters shining in their final game in Group B.

But victory was not to be for Sornnarin Tippoch’s side, with persistent rain ensuring that Pakistan were unable to begin their chase at the Showground.

No side in Group B had registered more than four for the opening wicket against Pakistan but the debutants made a mockery of that record with boundaries aplenty in the Powerplay.

A patient start was followed by four boundaries in Anam Amin’s second over, Chantam’s array of strikes down the ground a sight to behold.

It was to get better still, Boochatham lofting numerous deliveries over the top off Diana Baig – who had struck in her first over in every match until now.

A superb ten boundaries ensured Thailand ended the Powerplay on 49 without loss, soon bringing up their first 50 partnership in the competition.

The openers kept motoring with Boochatham following up lofted drives with well-timed sweeps, reaching 70 without loss at halfway and becoming just the second side to not lose a wicket in the first ten overs.

Runs kept flowing before the partnership finally ended on 93 in the 14th over, Boochatham holing out to long on for 44 off Anam’s full toss.

Chantam motored on regardless, scoring her country’s first half-century of the competition as Thailand made it to 100 for the first time this tournament.

She eventually fell for 56 to a stunning return catch from Diana, with Thailand entering the last four overs with 116 to their name.

Nannapat Khoncharoenkai (20 not out) and Chanida Sutthiruang (20) ensured the momentum went into the closing overs, striking five boundaries to take Thailand to 150 for three – their highest score in T20Is.

Pakistan had never chased more than 139 to win a T20I but their own bid for history was thwarted as rain began to fall in the innings break.

The number of playable overs began to tick away and with no sign of the bad weather relenting, the match was abandoned before Javeria Khan’s side could head to the middle.

But the result couldn’t dampen the spirits of a Thailand side that relished every moment of their final outing, this performance giving them a platform to build on ahead of their bid to reach the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2022.

Hosts South Africa and the seven other top teams in the MRF Tyres Women’s T20I Team Rankings on 30 November 2021 will qualify automatically for the event, with the last two places to be filled at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier 2021.



Scores in brief

Pakistan v Thailand – No Result, Sydney Showground

Thailand 150-3, 20 overs (Natthakan Chantam 56, Nattaya Boochatham 44; Nida Dar 1-17)
Pakistan DNB

https://www.icc-cricket.com/media-zone/news/1633975
 
Semi-final line-up for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup confirmed

The line-up for the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has been confirmed after a gripping group stage came to an end.

Rain delays the start of the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between the West Indies and South Africa at Sydney Showground Stadium on March 03, 2020 in Sydney, Australia.

The semi-final match-up for the SCG double-header has been confirmed

India will face 2009 champions England at 15h00 local time
South Africa will then face hosts and four-time winners Australia at 19h00

India will face England before Australia take on South Africa in semi-finals starting at 15h00 and 19h00 respectively on Thursday at Sydney Cricket Ground.

The line-up was confirmed when both the Proteas and West Indies were awarded a point after no play was possible due to rain in the group stage’s final game at Sydney Showground.

India were the only team to emerge from the groups with a perfect record and their clash with England is a re-run of the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup Final at Lord’s, won by Heather Knight’s side.

Hosts Australia, having booked their place in the knockout stages with victory over New Zealand on Monday, face 2014 semi-finalists South Africa who topped Group B.

Australia have won the tournament four times, England won the inaugural edition back in 2009 and India have reached the final four on three occasions.

The two match winners will then go into the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 Final, to be played on 8 March – International Women’s Day – at the MCG.
 
India vs England live: India advanced to the final of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time after heavy rains washed out the semi-final against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday. It had been raining since Thursday morning and it showed no signs of slowing down as the umpires and the match referee decided to call off play around 10:44 IST. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led Indian women’s cricket team have advanced to the final because of their higher standing at the end of the group stages. India finished on top of Group A after winning all their 4 matches while England finished at No.2.

Live score India women vs England women, T20 World Cup semi-final:

10:44 hrs: MATCH CALLED OFF. India advance to the final of the T20 World Cup for the first time in the history of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...score-today/story-odDMMy9ee9CpSQ3ygMGwwL.html
 
Rained off Semi is no fun. I wanted India to beat England on their way to the World Cup. Regardless of whoever - SA or Aus, qualifies for the finals, India has the right team to beat them.
 
​A day of persistent rain in Sydney saw England knocked out of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at the semi-final stage.

With no reserve day in the tournament playing conditions the rules dictate group-winners progress to the final in the event of an abandoned game, and with India having topped Group A they travel to Melbourne to take part in Sunday's final.

It was a bitterly disappointing way for Heather Knight's team to exit the tournament, which left them ruing their close defeat to South Africa in the tournament opener and their bad luck with the weather.

Nevertheless the team will take heart from the way they grew into the tournament, as well as the individual performances of captain Heather Knight - who scored her maiden IT20 century, Nat Sciver - who equalled Charlotte Edwards' record for most runs by an English woman in an T20 World Cup, and the combination of Sophie Ecclestone and Sarah Glenn.

QUOTES

Heather Knight: "It's a horrible way to exit a tournament. There's obviously nothing we could have done and to not get the chance to go out there and play for a place in the final is gutting.

"I really hope that we're the last team who ever exit an ICC tournament in this way. We've been bridesmaids before but to lose out to rain is a new feeling.

"It has been a positive tournament in so many ways. I've loved working with Lisa and I think the group are really moving in the right direction. We'll have a bit of time off now, try and get over this, and I look forward to when we're back together ahead of the summer."
 
A hearty well done to the ICC for scheduling the tournament during the rainy season. And also not adding reserve days. Ruined the tournament.
 
Women don’t have power game to chase steep run rates. This revised score will be tough for South Africa. Duckworth lewis is nightmare if you don’t have power game
 
PROTEAS COME UP SHORT AFTER GALLANT SEMI-FINAL FIGHT

Australia to play India in Sunday’s final

Thursday, 05 March 2020

The Momentum Proteas Women suffered another semi-final heartbreak after losing to hosts and defending champions Australia by five runs on the DLS method at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in Sydney on Thursday.

In a match that was widely expected to be abandoned due to the weather – a result that would have put South Africa through to Sunday’s final – the torrential rain cleared just about enough for a game to be squeezed in.

However, the result that Hilton Moreeng’s charges so desperately craved did not arrive as they were edged out for a second time in three years at the last four stage, having also been beaten by England in the 2017 50-over World Cup semi-finals.

The South Africans were oozing with confidence heading into the game, and rightly so too. This after they had topped Pool B unbeaten from three wins and a washout.

Following excellent work by the ground staff at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), the game started out without the deduction of any overs as the visitors won the toss and bowled first.

They had suffered a blow in the build-up with news that star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was not fit, but her replacement, Nadine de Klerk, was excellent, snaring three for 19. Those figures were key to restricting the Australians to 134 for five.

Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/18) and Shabnim Ismail (0/20) also excelled.

Home captain Meg Lanning (49 not out) was the only player to really trouble South Africa, while Beth Mooney chipped in with 28.

With rain falling as the innings concluded, the changeover was slightly delayed, and the numbers altered to leave the tourists chasing 98 in 13 overs.

However, they fell into an early hole when the key trio of Lizelle Lee (10), skipper Dane van Niekerk (12) and Mignon du Preez (0) all fell with only 24 on the board and 4.5 overs eaten up.

Sune Luus (21) and Laura Wolvaardt (41 not out) tried to rebuild with a stand of 47, although the tight bowling of the reigning champions meant that 27 were needed off 10 balls when the former departed.

That proved a hurdle too far as the hosts progressed and left South Africa, who remain winless against Australia, disappointed once more.

Australia will play India in Sunday’s semi-final after the latter’s earlier semi-final against England was washed out and they progressed on their superior pool log position.

Momentum Proteas ICC Women’s T20 playing XI against Australia:

Dané van Niekerk (captain, Eastern Province), Lizelle Lee (North West), Nadine de Klerk (Western Province), Mignon du Preez (Northerns), Laura Wolvaardt (Western Province), Suné Luus (Northerns), Chloe Tryon (KwaZulu-Natal Coastal), Shabnim Ismail (KZN Coastal), Trisha Chetty (KZN Coastal), Ayabonga Khaka (Gauteng), Nonkululeko Mlaba (KZN Coastal).
 
Australia edge out Proteas to set up Final showdown with India

Australia will face India in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 Final after the hosts came through a nerve-shredding semi-final against South Africa in Sydney.

Australian captain Meg Lanning and team mates celebrate victory during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup Semi Final match between Australia and South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground on March 05, 2020 in Sydney, Australia.

Meg Lanning led from the front to score 49 before taking two brilliant catches in the Proteas’ chase of 98 in 13 overs, adjusted by the DLS method following rain at the SCG.

Dane van Niekerk’s side gave it their all but fell five runs short of a maiden Final, with Australia now just one win away from a fifth Women’s T20 World Cup title.

They’ll face India at the MCG on 8 March – International Women’s Day – after their semi-final against England was abandoned without a ball bowled.

“We’ve had a lot thrown at us this tournament and to be able to come together at a really big moment is certainly special,” said Lanning. “We’ll enjoy the win knowing there’s something massive coming up in the next few days.

“You can never rest and think you’ve got it in the bag, not even with the last few balls. South Africa played really well and took it right to the end.

"We never came into this World Cup thinking it would just happen and it was going to be easy. We knew it was in for a fight and that's exactly what happened.

“We weren't owed anything. We're not here to defend it, we're here to win it.

“We were confident if we bowled well we would get a result. We had our moments of good and bad but we managed to hold on until the end.”

Van Niekerk elected to bowl first with further bad weather forecast but Australia openers Alyssa Healy (18) and Beth Mooney (28) started in good fashion.

Ayabonga Khaka broke the partnership on 34 with Van Niekerk snaffling Healy at midwicket, though Mooney and captain Lanning avoided any further damage early on.

South Africa dried up the runs with nearly six overs between boundaries after Mooney’s dismissal, bowled by Nadine de Klerk – playing just her second game of the tournament.

She wasn’t done there either, having Ashleigh Gardner caught behind before bowling Rachael Haynes (17) to finish her four overs with three for 19.

Jess Jonassen also fell cheaply as Australia lost three wickets for three runs to sit at 71 for four in the 11th over.

Lanning, who boasts a superb record in T20I knockout cricket, then continued her form to guide the innings with Haynes and then Nicola Carey.

Australia finished on 134 for five but the Proteas’ chase was initially halted by rain, with Van Niekerk and Lizelle Lee preparing for a revised target when the weather relented.

A superb slog sweep from Van Niekerk got them going but when the captain was bowled by a wonderful Megan Schutt (two for 17) in-swinger, her side were 23 for two at the end of four overs.

Lee had earlier fallen in Molineux’s first over of the Women’s T20 World Cup before Mignon du Preez was dismissed by Delissa Kimmince, thanks to a wonderful low catch from Lanning.

It was then up to Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt (41 not out) to strive for the 43 needed from 24 balls, with the latter picking up where she left off against Pakistan with some glorious cover drives.

Luus then holed out to long-off off Schutt, while skipper Lanning again took a blinder to dismiss the dangerous Chloe Tryon as South Africa fell agonisingly short of their maiden Final.

“We’ve only been in three knockout games, Australia have been in countless,” said Van Niekerk.

“I have to give them credit for getting from where they started the tournament to where they are now. You can never write off the number one team in the world and they showed tonight why they are.

“It comes with experience and confidence. They are the deserved number ones at the moment.

“I can’t take anything away from anyone. The culture of this team is incredible.

“I really hope we can get a win over Australia soon. I thought tonight was the night but it wasn’t meant to be. I was really calm when I arrived at the ground. I really hope the final gets the 90,000 people the tournament deserves.”

Never before have India reached the Women’s T20 World Cup Final but their bid for history won’t stop there as they look to upset the four-time champions in Melbourne.

No play was possible in their match with England, with India progressing on account of finishing atop Group A, while Heather Knight’s side were Group B runners-up behind South Africa.

The Final match-up also offers a repeat of the very first game of the tournament, a contest India won to launch their unbeaten campaign and reach the MCG.

“We knew from day one when we were going to start this tournament that we would have to win all our games,” said captain Harmanpreet Kaur.

“If we didn’t get a match, we knew whoever is at the top in the group would play in the Final and that’s how we started.

“We were all ready to play. We all were hoping the rain would stop, these games are very important because everybody was looking to watch.

“We were looking to play because a semi-final against England is a high-quality game and we didn't want to miss out.”

Scores in brief

India v England – match abandoned, Sydney Cricket Ground

Australia beat South Africa by five runs (DLS method), Sydney Cricket Ground

Australia 134-5, 20 overs (Meg Lanning 49 not out, Beth Mooney 28; Nadine de Klerk 3-19)
South Africa 92-5, 13 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 41 not out, Megan Schutt 2-17)

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 Final: 8 March: India v Australia, 18h00, Melbourne Cricket Ground
 
ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2020 Tournament Thread

I´m a fan of Ellyse Perry, so I obviously wanted Australia to win but I thought that South Africa got a raw deal from the DLS method. 135 off full 20 overs would've been much easier than the revised target given in the end after the rain interval. One can feel sad for them,.....

.... and one can feel sad for England too got knocked out due to rain. They must be feeling gutted.
 
Just bought a ticket PAX number 86,400, so should get over 90k tomorrow.
 
Last edited:
History in the making for Women's cricket in India

Indian Women's team is in very good form in this World T20 world cup. Though Australia is stronger team generally, in the recent past India have beaten Australia including the league match in this tournament.

I expect India to win the world cup. The victory could very well be the catalyst the women's cricket needs. It will change the face of the game in India and by extension in all the other countries as well.

I am eager to watch this historic moment unfold today.
 
Womens T20 World Cup: Ticket sales on track for World Cup final to break crowd record

Ticket sales for the Twenty20 World Cup final have passed 80,000, putting the world record attendance at a women's sporting match within reach.

Organisers are hoping to fill the MCG on Sunday and top the 90,185 people that watched the 1999 women's soccer World Cup in California.

With Australia securing their spot in a home final against major drawcards India, it has given promoters a dream game.

There is also the added interest of American pop star Katy Perry performing before and after the match.

The contest is now almost certain to surpass the biggest attendance at a women's cricket match.

A crowd of 80,000 watched Australia defeat New Zealand in the 1997 the one-day World Cup final.

The highly anticipated clash on Sunday will smash the highest crowd for a stand-alone women's match in Australia.

That was achieved last year when 53,034 people watched the Crows defeat Carlton in the AFLW grand final at the Adelaide Oval.

AAP

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/cri...al-to-break-crowd-record-20200308-p547yq.html
 
Australia will be too strong at home. But good luck to both the teams. Richly deserved teams to be in finals
 
They could easily break this record in India in 5 years when they eventually get another tournament.
 
These tosses are always showing up ugly face to Indian cricket team these days..
 
This event is going to be fantastic for women sports.
Happy women’s day to all the wonderful women in this forum
 
Mitchell Starc missed out on the last match vs SA to watch his wife play. Alyssa certainly isnt dissapointing.

Such an amazing crowd as well.
 
What an innings in a final by alyssa healy. Coulda kept on batting to get her hundred but selfless play.
 
good comeback by India after Healy's wicket.. Australia favourites though..
 
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