Image Credit- CSA
In the second Twenty20 International in Canberra,
South Africa’s women defeated Australia for the first time ever, winning by six
wickets.
On Sunday, they bowled well enough to restrict the
hosts to a below-average total of 142 for 6, which they managed to reach with
six balls remaining, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s undefeated half-century.
At Manuka Oval, Australia made scoring look difficult,
but South Africa’s opening players soon established the foundation they needed
to secure the historic victory.
After the tourists lost 3 for 22, Wolvaardt (58 not
out) and Tazmin Brits (41) contributed 75 for the first wicket, with the former
remaining to negotiate a potentially difficult final stanza.
It was the first time South Africa had won the 24
women’s cricket matches between the two countries, including ODIs and T20Is.
They have never been closer than in a tied ODI in 2016. Following Australia’s
victory in the opening match on Saturday, the outcome on Sunday also squared
the multi-format series.
Wolvaardt recognised the potential significance of the
outcome for her team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in October.
“It’s very special, obviously having never beaten
them before in any format or game is something we were looking to change and to
do it in their own backyard is incredibly special,” she said.
“Especially just with a lot of senior players
retiring in the past few years…to have this new dynamic young team just
obviously beating the World Champions is something very special and something
that hopefully can change our mindset. Hopefully the voodoo is a bit broken now
and we can win them on a more regular basis.”