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The exciting South Africa Women’s tour of Australia 2024, kicked off with the first T20I at Manuka Oval in Canberra on January 27. The hosts registered a comfortable victory in the three-match series opener to start the proceedings in grand style.
Ellyse Perry exhibits splendid bowling show
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Australia Women put up a strong performance on the field. South Africa Women began their innings with determination, but could only post a total of 147/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Tazmin Brits was the top scorer for South Africa Women, contributing 59 runs off 54 deliveries, including six boundaries and two sixes. Other notable contributions came from Laura Wolvaardt (16 runs) and Sune Luus (19 runs).
Australia Women’s bowlers showcased their skills, with Ellyse Perry leading the pack with two crucial wickets for just 13 runs in her three overs. Darcie Brown also made an impact, taking two wickets for 20 runs in her three overs.
Beth Mooney helps Australia chase down the target with ease
In response, Australia Women chased down the target with ease, finishing at 149/2 in 19.1 overs. Beth Mooney was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a brilliant half-century. She smashed 72 runs off 57 deliveries, including 11 fours and one six. Captain Alyssa Healy provided strong support with 46 runs off 28 balls.
Despite efforts from South Africa Women’s bowling attack, including Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk picking up one wicket each, they couldn’t contain the Australian batters. With this convincing performance, Australia Women secured victory by 8 wickets, setting a strong start to the series.
Also READ: Australia vs South Africa 2024, Women’s T20I series – Date, Match Time, Venue, Squads, Broadcast and Live Streaming details
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Today is the FIRST time Australia 🇦🇺 and South Africa🇿🇦 played a bilateral women's T20I series.#AUSvSA
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) January 27, 2024
Top boshing from Bosch#AUSvSA
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) January 27, 2024
Lisa: I wonder where Beth Mooney is going?
Beth: smashes a huge six, like home, I'm going home. It's too hot for me#AUSvSA
— Emily Lacy (@starkidlacy) January 27, 2024
That's how you kick off the series!
Beth Mooney carries her bat in a successful chase 👏#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/iPSgTv71rW
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 27, 2024
Beth Mooney finishes unbeaten on 72 (!) and we've made a winning start to the #AUSvSA series! pic.twitter.com/UP9iD4mqwE
— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) January 27, 2024
Beth Mooney finishes off in style!
Scorecard: https://t.co/i5lKlg9oeN #AUSvSA #WomenCricket #BethMooney #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/i7sQdi8Ipq
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) January 27, 2024
Beth Mooney finishes unbeaten on 72 (!) and we've made a winning start to the #AUSvSA series!🇦🇺🇿🇦🔰. #SAVSAUS @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/qwF4iqfflT
— Farhan Khan 🇺🇸 (@FarhanKhan_mm) January 27, 2024
A commanding way to kick off the multi-format series, as the Aussies prevail by eight wickets in Canberra 👊 #AUSvSA
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 27, 2024
Beth Mooney Absolutely LEGEND❤️
— Muhammad khalil🇵🇰 (@Azha45448Azhar) January 27, 2024
That’s a pretty ordinary way to lose a cricket game for South Africa. Great shot by Beth Mooney. #AUSvSA
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) January 27, 2024
Beth Mooney averages 129.0 in T20 Internationals at Manuka Oval (7 innings)
— Ashish kumar (@ashuisbad) January 27, 2024
Beth Mooney goes bang ! #AUSvSA
— Chris (@Chris2Far86) January 27, 2024
Ellyse Perry when she sees a skill she hasn’t mastered yet pic.twitter.com/aD8i7jZoRC
— Tom Carpenter (@Carpo34) January 27, 2024