Women's World T20: Australia thrash England by 8 wickets to lift fourth title

England, bidding to become double world champions, were bowled out for 105 with two balls remaining in Women's World T20 final against Australia.

Photo courtesy: Twitter/@WorldT20

ANTIGUA: After bowlers put up a terrific performance, the Australian batswomen came to the fore to thrash England by eight wickets and lift their fourth Women's World Twenty20 title here at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Sunday.

#ICCWomensWorldcCup2018: Australia beat England by eight wickets to claim their fourth World T20 title. — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2018

Chasing a lowly target of 106 runs to win, the Australian women's cricket team made everything looked so easy as they crossed the mark  in 15.1 overs-- with some England players also left in tears as the former team celebrated their first world title in four years.

Opener Alyssa Healy set the tone for the chase from the very beginning as she smashed a few boundaries before eventually falling for a 20-ball 22,  including 14 off the first over by Anya Shrubsole. 

After Australia also lost Healy's opening partner Beth Mooney for 14 runs, first drop Ashleigh Gardner (unbeaten at 33) and skipper Meg Lanning (unbeaten at 28) joined forces and stitched a crucial 62-run knock for the third wicket to help their side reach the target with nearly five overs to spare. 

Sophie Ecclestone and Danielle Hazell were the only England bowlers to have chipped in with a wicket each. 

Earlier, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, England failed to counter Australia's bowling attack as they were unable to find any rhythm throughout their innings, with only Danni Wyatt (43) and captain Heather Knight reaching the double figures. 

Gardner was the pick of the bowlers for Australia as she finished with a figure of three for 22, followed by Georgia Wareham's two for 11. Meanwhile, Ellyse Perry also contributed with a wicket as her side bundled out England, who were bidding to become double world champions, for 105 runs in 19.4 overs.

While Gardner was declared Player of the Match for her all-round performance, Healy was adjudged Player of the Tournament for notching up a total of 225 runs in the prestigious event despite playing one innings less than the next best. 

It is to be noted that the two sides had met in the summit showdown of the ICC Women’s World T20 for the third time.