Australia Women have been the dominating force when it comes to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Over the years, they have continued to repeat their success and claim the crown. However, the Tasmanian neighbours broke the chain in the latest edition. The tournament’s history was enriched by a record crowd cheering for the girls in the T20 World Cup 2020 final between India and Australia. No wonder a new era of women’s cricket has already begun, with the hope of reaching new heights in the coming years.
2018
Winners: Australia
Runners-up: England
It was a special tournament as for the first time, the Women’s T20 World Cup was a standalone event. It returned to the West Indies, where India emerged as a top nation. They topped their group by beating Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Ireland. Harmanpreet Kaur scored a memorable hundred in the first match of the tournament against the White Ferns.
However, India faltered in the semi-final, and England had an easy victory to set up another final clash against Australia. The Aussies, meanwhile, took revenge for the 2016 final by beating the hosts by 71 runs in the other semi-final. The final was also not very competitive as the Australians cruised to victory by 8 wickets. All-rounder Ashleigh Gardner was the player of the match, whereas Alyssa Healy, the player of the tournament, topped the run charts with Deandra Dottin leading the wickets tally.
2020
Winners: Australia
Runners-up: India
For the first time, the tournament took place in Australia. It was a huge success just before the world was going to opt for a lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. Huge crowds were observed in most of the matches. India again delivered a strong performance and even reached the final for the first time, thanks to their superior position in the group stage compared to England after their semi-final got washed out. Australia won the other semi-final against South Africa.
The final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was the defining moment of the tournament, drawing a record crowd of 86,174. Australia produced a dominant all-round performance, scoring 184 and then bowling India out for 99 to claim their fifth title. Beth Mooney finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer, while Megan Schutt topped the wicket charts, playing key roles for the home team’s triumph.
2023
Winners: Australia
Runners-up: South Africa
It took three years to organise the next Women’s T20 World Cup due to the pandemic. This time, South Africa were the hosts, playing with great passion to enter their maiden final. They beat England in the semi-final by just 6 runs. The other semi-final was also equally thrilling as the Australians recorded a victory over the Indians by just 5 runs.
In the final, it was a familiar story as Australia maintained their dominance to record their 6th T20 World Cup title. Their 156/6 was too much for the hosts as South Africa could manage only 137/6. Beth Mooney was the player of the final for her unbeaten 74, whereas Gardner finished as the player of the tournament for her all-round show.
2024
Winners: New Zealand
Runners-up: South Africa
The latest edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup was organised in the UAE, with the final played in Dubai. After a long gap, Australia were finally removed from the throne. South Africa beat the Aussies in the semi-final and took a memorable revenge for their loss in the previous final. The White Ferns, on the other hand, reached their first final since 2010 as they beat the West Indies by just 8 runs.
Amelia Kerr was the star for New Zealand. She delivered consistent performances throughout, including the final, as her 38-ball 43 took them to 158/5 before she claimed 3/24 to restrict South Africa to 126/9. It was her superlative show that helped the Kiwis win their maiden T20 World Cup title. Kerr was adjudged both the player of the tournament and player of the final.
Flashback: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup| Part 1
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