Without doubt ‘the most satisfying win’ for Lanning
There were nerves in the ICC Women’s World T20 2018 final against England, and it showed on the field most, where the Australians made some uncharacteristic errors. But they still ran out victors by eight wickets, winning the final at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
WT20 Final - AUS v ENG: Full match highlights
“It's definitely the most satisfying win I've been involved in, especially after the last couple of World Cup exits for us, it hurt our team a lot,” said Lanning. “We spoke about that as a group and not hiding away from that fact. But I think that the biggest thing has been that we've been able to learn and really grow as a group.
“Win, lose or draw, today we are really happy where we are as a group. Our culture is fantastic. And we're just really enjoying what we do. And I think we showed that out there tonight.”
Australia's players react in the immediate aftermath to their WT20 title win
Two of the biggest stars for Australia in the final were Ashleigh Gardner and Georgia Wareham, 21 and 19 respectively, providing a glimpse of the quality coming through the ranks. Gardner, the Player of the Match, returned 3/22 and then smashed 33* in 26 balls, while Wareham picked up 2/11.
“We've been able to add to our squad over the last few years. We've gone with youth, I guess, and some players who have performed well in the WBBL (Women’s Big Bash League). That's provided a really great platform for us to select players from,” said Lanning.
WT20: Australia sing team song post title-win
“To have those young players step up in such a big final just shows how good they can be and really how calm and composed they are under pressure. That's what we've spoken about as a group, being calm and making sure we held our nerve longer than the other team. To be led by the younger players today I think is a great credit to the group and the way that we're operating at the moment.”
The biggest hero of Australia’s run to the title, undoubtedly, was Alyssa Healy, the opening batter who won the Player of the Match award four of the five times she went out to bat and then the Player of the Tournament honour too.
WT20: Alyssa Healy, Player of the Tournament
“T20 cricket can be fickle and up and down. But for someone to play so well so consistently throughout this tournament is amazing and a great credit to her. She's put in a lot of hard work over the last year or so to get herself into a really good shape and really good spot mentally,” gushed Lanning.
“For me, the biggest thing was I just saw a smile on her face all the time and that's what we speak about as a group – enjoying what we do. And I think she led the charge in that regard and I'm really happy that she's done so well throughout this tournament, because she's a really important part of our group and she definitely led the way for us throughout.”
AUS v ENG: Player of the Match – Ashleigh Gardner
Clinical as they were, Australia did struggle on the field, letting a number of chances go past – Lanning put it down to nerves heading into the game, but was happy that the players put it behind them to lift themselves.
The target for the team, already No.1 in both the one-day international and Twenty20 International tables on the MRF Tyres ICC Team Rankings, is to be “very consistent”.
AUS v ENG: Australia lift the trophy
But that’s in the future. Right now, it’s about celebrating.
“There will be some big celebrations,” admitted Lanning. “I think we've been waiting for this moment for a long time. And as I said, it's very, very satisfying win. And we'll celebrate accordingly.
"This group's worked extremely hard to get the success and you don't know what's going to happen in the future. So we're going to make the most of it and enjoy each other's company.”