The Southern Stars claimed the World T20 in emphatic fashion and have become a shining light amid a turbulent period in Australian cricket.
Australia’s players celebrate winning the ICC Women’s World T20 final cricket match against England. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP/Getty Images) Getty
Shockingly, a nervy Australia were fumbling a slew of chances during an uncharacteristically sloppy fielding display. The pressure of the World T20 final – magnified by being overwhelming favorites against nemesis England – seemed to be getting to Australia.
Even though things were not entirely going to plan, Australia captain Meg Lanning remained unruffled. There was no cursing or shakes of the head. She remained calm and positive, encouraging her teammates who never wavered and a determined Australia eventually triumphed in style with a convincing eight-wicket win in Antigua.
Throughout, in trademark style, Lanning was humble and respectful – refreshing qualities that have long been absent from her male counterparts. Amid the rubble of Australian cricket in the aftermath of the ugly ball-tampering scandal, Lanning’s team — nicknamed the Southern Stars — continues to be a shining light and an exemplar for on-and-off field behavior.
Meg Lanning celebrates winning the ICC Women’s World T20 final. (Photo by RANDY BROOKS/AFP/Getty Images) Getty
It may not have been a perfect performance, but Australia nonetheless were a class above England, the reigning World Cup champions. Despite dropping five catches, Australia responded with several spectacular efforts, including a brilliant run out from Georgia Wareham to dismiss in-form batter Amy Jones.
Even though the fielding was a mishmash, the bowling was on the money highlighted by star allrounder Ellyse Perry becoming just the second player ever to claim 100 T20I wickets.
Such was their command over the jittery batting line-up, Australia should have routed England but the target of 106 did not prove tricky despite the pitch playing slowly. Alyssa Healy, the player of the tournament, laid the platform with an aggressive start and a dominant Australia were never threatened.
