AUSTRALIA is the Queen of world cricket yet again, after defeating South Africa by 19 runs to win its third T20 World Cup title in a row.

Batting first, the Australians got off to a productive but not overly flashy start, before losing their first wicket at the end of five overs. A 46-run second wicket partnership between Beth Mooney and Ash Gardner got things really going for the Australians, and despite losing perhaps the most wickets they have lost in a single innings all tournament, still made a very competitive score.

Despite a wobbly end to the innings the Aussies finished on 6/156 from their 20 overs. Mooney was the top scorer with 74 not out, reaching the tally off 53 balls in an innings which included nine fours and a six.

Meanwhile for the South Africans, both Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp picked up two wickets, while Chloe Tryon and Nonkululeko Mlaba each picked up one.

South Africa got off to an even slower start with the bat than the Australians had, only making 17 runs before losing their first wicket compared to Australia’s 36. A 55-run fourth wicket partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon really ensured the Proteas were in with a shot of winning, but once Wolvaardt got dismissed the home side’s chances of a maiden title went with her.

In the end the South Africans could not keep up with the required run rate, and the 27 run final over task proved to be too much. Wolvaardt was by far by the best of the South African batters, finishing on 61, while Tryon (25) was the only other batter to make even somewhat of a start.

The wicket taking duties were evenly spread across the Australian bowlers, with Gardner, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown and Jess Jonassen each picking up one wicket.