Jess Cameron hit the highest score in a women’s World Twenty20 final, making an entertaining 45 to help Australia to 142 for four in their 20 overs before they restricted England to 138 for nine at the R Premadasa stadium.
Spinners Jess Jonassen (three for 25) and Lisa Sthalekar (two for 16) shared the spoils as England found the going hard on a spin-friendly pitch.
Seamer Julie Hunter grabbed two for 36 to finish as the tournament’s best bowler with 11 wickets.
But it was all-rounder Sthalekar, also scoring 23 not out, who set up the win with the wicket of England’s premier batter Charlotte Edwards for 28 in the eighth over to make the chase difficult for the 2009 champions.
England had pinned their hopes on Edwards who hit a brilliant half-century in England’s seven-wicket win over Australia in the group stage.
England needed 16 off the last over but Danielle Hazell (16 not out) managed 11, leaving the Australian players jubilant.
Team’s hard work paid off: Fields
Australia captain Jodie Fields said her team’s hard work had paid off.
“It’s a good feeling,” said Fields, who missed the 2010 final due to injury. “England played a really good match, but we had belief in our team. It’s awesome to be standing here as winners. All the hard work has been worth it.”
Earlier, Alyssa Healy (26) and Meg Lanning (25) put on 51 for the opening wicket to help Australia’s cause. Cameron smashed five boundaries and a six during her rapid 34-ball knock. England captain Edwards showed disappointment over the loss.
“It didn’t go our way, but congratulations to Australia,” said Edwards. “We didn’t do well up front, and just couldn’t pin them.
“The youngsters in the team keep me young, so I keep trying to get better.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2012.
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