In a match made solemn by tragic circumstances, an Australian group batting with two black armbands beat England by 12 runs Saturday in its opening match on the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at Hamilton, New Zealand.
Australia scored 310-3 batting first and a powerful century from 79 balls by England’s Nat Sciver stored England within the match till the ultimate over. Sciver was 109 not out on the finish of an excellent England run chase.
England wanted 36 from the final three overs, 26 from the final two and 16 from the ultimate over however fell quick, ending 298-8. Jess Johansen who had given up 16 runs from her first two overs, principally to Sciver, bowled the final over and held her nerve to clinch Australia’s win.
#WorkforceAustralia come out on 🔝
They beat #WorkforceEngland by 12 runs regardless of Nat Sciver’s heroics. #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/tA5UeHDsRQ
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 5, 2022
The Australian gamers awoke on match day to information of the dying in Thailand at 52 of the legendary Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne. That got here solely 24 hours after the lack of one other Australia nice, wicketkeeper/batsman Rod March, who died aged 74.
A minute’s silence was noticed earlier than the match, gamers from each groups standing with their heads bowed earlier than the Australian anthem rang over a silent stadium.
When Australia batted after shedding the toss, it was virtually with a way of obligation to make their very own tribute to Warne and Marsh by way of their efficiency.
A outstanding 💯 from Nat Sciver 👏#WorkforceEngland want 28 in 14 deliveries.
Who’s profitable this one? #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/BDciQnM8TK
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 5, 2022
It was a efficiency of which Warne and Marsh, who each had been inspirational mentors to younger Australian gamers, would have been proud.
Opener Rachael Haynes made 130 from 131 balls and captain Meg Lanning 86 as Australia scored the best whole ever posted in opposition to England in a World Cup match. Haynes and Lanning placed on 196 for Australia’s second wicket within the partnership on which the innings was based.
“It was hard at the beginning, they bowled well early on,” Lanning mentioned. “Rachael played really well to weather the early storm. Rachel’s innings was brilliant. She was in control, got through early, took good risks at the right time. It’s certainly one of her best innings.”
An excellent partnership and a scorching century helped #WorkforceAustralia submit a mammoth whole in opposition to #WorkforceEngland ✨
Catch the innings highlights 📺#CWC22 https://t.co/RCnCd1kzL1
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) March 5, 2022
It was Haynes’ second century in one-day internationals and her highest rating, eclipsing her 118 in opposition to Sri Lanka in Brisbane in 2019. Lanning posted her 18th one-day worldwide half century and helped Haynes tempo the Australian innings.
At Dunedin, Ayabonga Khaka took 4-32, together with her one centesimal wicket in one-day internationals, as South Africa beat Bangladesh by 32 runs. South Africa made 207 batting first after shedding the toss.
Opener Laura Wolvardt anchored the highest of the order with 41 from 52 balls in difficult batting situations. Bangladesh used its gradual medium and spin bowlers to good impact on a slowish pitch on the University Oval, making strokeplay and placement tough.
Captain Sane Luus batted 50 minutes for 25 earlier than being run out when South Africa was 119-5 within the thirty fourth over, needing to raise its run charge.
Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon took on the function of accelerating the scoring and mixed in a partnership of 71 for the sixth wicket which lifted South Africa to 190-6. Kapp made 42 from 45 balls and Tryon 39 from 40. South Africa was 203-9 when Kapp was out within the forty ninth over.
Bangladesh made a robust run at its profitable goal after Shamima Sultana (27) and Sharmin Akhter (34) shared a 69-run opening stand in 19.3 overs.
Captain Nigar Sultana made 29, Ritu Moni 27 and Bangladesh was nonetheless in with an opportunity at 170-7 with 4 overs left. But Khaka helped suppress the Bangladesh chase.
“We are proud of Ayabonga Khaka, she is our golden arm at the moment,” Luus mentioned.