Australia’s hopes of winning the Women’s T20 World Cup for the fourth consecutive time have been dashed, after a shock eight wicket loss to South Africa in the first semi final overnight. Opting not to bring back the injured captain Alyssa Healy, Australia were restricted to 5/134 from their 20 overs, before the Proteas reached the target with 16 balls to spare. Anneka Bosch was the star in the run chase making 74 not out, she and captain Laura Wolvaardt put on 96 for the second wicket.
It was South Africa’s first win over Australia in a T20 World Cup. The loss also ended Australia’s streak of seven appearances in a row at a Women’s T20 World Cup final and meant that none of the women’s big three (Australia, England and India) would feature in the final.
The same pitch in Multan hosted the second successive test between Pakistan and England this week, with a very different result. Pakistan won by 152 runs, ending a 11-match streak without a win at home. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali shared all 20 wickets between them.
There will be a first-time champion of Women’s T20 World Cup with South Africa facing New Zealand in the final. The White Ferns defeated West Indies by eight runs in the semi-final in Sharjah on Friday night.
CA released the final shortlist of three this morning: Andrew Symonds, Dean Jones or Michael Bevan.
While the final decision on the naming of the trophy rests with the CA Board following a recommendation from the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame committee, led by Chair Peter King, fan input has been crucial in producing the final shortlist.
NZ have beaten India by 8 wickets in the 1st Test in Bengaluru.
India were never really in the hunt after giving up a 356 run deficit at the completion of both 1st innings. India did well to at least make NZ bat again a 2nd time, but despite losing an early wicket, the Kiwis were never really challenged in their pursuit of 107 for victory.
It was just the 3rd time NZ have won a Test in India in 38 attempts.
Nearly 10 hours after the men’s team defeated India in the first test, the NZ women’s team claimed the T20 World Cup, beating South Africa by 32 runs in the final in Dubai. Amelia Kerr was named player of the match (43 runs from 38 balls, and taking 3/24) and player of the tournament as the leading wicket taker with 15 scalps.
The stand was formerly named after Australian rules footballer (and 1969 Brownlow Medallist) Kevin Murray who has supported the change. Murray’s name now adorns a stand at Brunswick Street Oval in Fitzroy in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.
A couple of surprise Test series results are currently in play on the sub continent.
NZ are are a good chance to go to a 2-0 nil lead in the 3 Test series against India, with the home team needing 359 to win (currently 1/64).
And ENG are currently effectively 7/8 in their 2nd innings after trailing on the first innings by 77 runs against PAK in the 3rd and final deciding Test in that series.
Pakistan beat England by nine wickets in the third test and won the series 2-1. England was bowled out for 112 this morning, giving the home side a target of just 36.
