SA-W vs AUS-W: McGrath's fifty leads Australia to a thumping win over South Africa
Tahlia McGrath in action [Source: Twitter]
The 15th match of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup saw Australia annihilate South Africa by six wickets in Gqeberha. Bowling first, Australia restricted the hosts to a paltry 124 and later chased it down, riding on Tahlia McGrath's batting masterclass.
Aussie bowlers' collective effort restricts South Africa to a sub-par total
After being put into bat, South Africa openers, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits gave their side a slow albeit steady start, adding 54 runs for the first wicket.
But a collapse was triggered after Wolvaardt departed, as Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon and Delmi Tucker perished cheaply.
Although Sune Luus contributed 20 runs, she consumed 24 balls for it. As a result, the Proteas innings couldn't get the final flourish, being concluded on 124 for six in 20 overs.
For Australia, Georgia Wareham scalped two wickets, while the remaining wickets were equally shared by Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner.
Gardner-McGrath stand seizes the day for Australia
Chasing 125, Australia succumbed to an early collapse, thanks to Marizanne Kapp, who removed Beth Mooney and Ellyse Perry. Skipper Meg Lanning also made her way back to the hut after being cleaned up by the young sensation Nonkululeko Mlaba.
However, the experienced duo of Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath executed a commendable rescue act, stitching a match-winning 81-run stand for the fourth wicket.
While Gardner played sensibly for her 29-ball 28*, McGrath took on the Proteas bowlers to slam a counterattacking 33-ball 57, helping her side clinch an easy win.
Brief Scores
South Africa Women: 124/6 (20)
Tazmin Brits 45 (36), Sune Luus 20 (24);
Georgia Wareham 2/18, Ellyse Perry 1/8
Australia Women: 125/4 (16.3)
Tahlia McGrath 57 (33), Ashleigh Gardner 28* (29);
Marizanne Kapp 2/21, Masabata Klaas 1/18
Australia Women won by six wickets.
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