Awesome Australia crowned Women’s T20 World Cup champions for sixth time

The triumphant Aussies had a big night of celebrations in store after their 19-run win over South Africa in Sunday’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at Newlands.

But the party kicked off on the field, with plenty of the winning team speaking about their third T20 win in succession – or the ‘threepeat’ as it has been coined back home.

“We have been longing for this moment since the last World Cup,” Player of the Tournament Ash Gardner said.

“We played some fantastic cricket throughout the tournament. Today just showed that we were not in winning positions throughout the game, but we scrapped and we fought.

“My role within the team with both bat and ball is trying to change the game with whatever I can do. For me, it was with the bat in this game, and then come back and bowl.

“Personal accolades are great, but what I am most excited about is that we have won this tournament. We are World Cup champions.

“There is so much fun playing cricket for your country. Being a part of this team is fantastic.”

The Player of the Match on the day was opening batter Beth Mooney, who struck an unbeaten half-century to set up a winning total.

“It's a very special win,” Mooney said. "Being in South Africa and playing in front of an outstanding crowd like this one was special.

“It was a really tough wicket and I was a little too hard on myself in the middle. I walked off thinking we hadn't gotten enough on the board. Never judge a wicket until both the teams have batted and it was bloody tough out there and we did well.

“We'll see what Cape Town has in store for us. But it's nice to sit with the group and celebrate. This is a very special group and an amazing squad.”

And for captain Meg Lanning this is the fourth World T20 title that the team have won under her leadership, following on from the tournament victories in 2014, 2018 and 2020.

“It's a pretty special effort from the group. All teams came hard at us - we knew that was going to happen. But we performed well throughout the tournament,” Lanning said.

“We knew it would be an amazing atmosphere, which it was. It was a great event. It was about keeping things simple when the pressure was on, and getting things done.

“It's a special group. Not just the players, but also the support staff that put in a lot of work behind the scene, and allow us to go out and play our cricket.”

One of the keys to Australia’s dominance is the depth of quality in their side, with a host of players contributing along their journey to another world title.

“You can't go into a World Cup or a final not thinking you are going to lift the trophy,” Jess Jonassen said. “To South Africa's credit, they took it right to the end, and the crowd was amazing. Even though they weren't going for us, it was an incredible atmosphere. So it was special to play in front of.

“I’m relishing the opportunity to be back out here to represent my country. I have my parents and partner in the crowd, which is extra special.”

And Grace Harris added: “You definitely won't be able to wipe the smile off my face tonight, I'm just so happy about how we played throughout the tournament.

“I thought 156 could be a bit challenging, considering how the other two games were 170-plus scores and they were close semi-finals. But to get the win against South Africa in front of the packed Newlands, who weren't cheering for us, which is fair enough, this is outstanding and I love my experience here.”

And all-rounder Ellyse Perry was also keen to thank the home crowd for making it such a special occasion at Newlands.

“Huge thank you to the crowd for creating such an incredible atmosphere.

“I know it didn't quite go the way they were hoping, but just to have the opportunity to stand and be a part of this; right from the start, the national anthem, I knew it would be a great day.”

Australia will look to make it four consecutive titles when the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup returns in Bangladesh in September and October of 2024.