2023 Women’s T20 overview – what you can’t miss
One of the biggest events in women’s cricket is coming to an end: the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup. As we move into a new era of cricket, it is important to take note of some key points to consider. Male cricketers have had more recognition and experience than their female counterparts over recent years . The global platform that this event provides may create some truly exciting opportunities for young cricketers around the world. Lastly, it is important to recognize how far women’s cricket has come and celebrate the great success stories created during this tournament. This go event will in history as one of the most memorable experiences in Cricket!
2023 Women’s T20 – Champions
Australia reclaimed their title as the most dominant team in women’s cricket with a remarkable victory over South Africa in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup final held at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. The Australian side, who batted first, put on 156/6 from their allotted 20 overs, and then backed it up with great bowling that saw South Africa bowled out for just 137/6 giving Australia a 19 run victory and their sixth world cup title. It was an outstanding effort by the Australians and demonstrated once again why they are regarded as one of the most successful teams in cricketing history.
Beth Mooney and Lanning then made sure that their innings didn’t tumble too much and carried their side to the halfway point, with a combined fifty partnership for the second wicket. Although South Africa clawed back, by taking crucial wickets of Lanning, today’s Player of the Match Ashleigh Gardner and Jess Jonassen in quick succession, at 156/6 Australia would have hoped for more. And when South Africa were chasing a colossal total on a slow, two-paced track it looked all but over. But South Africa can take many positives from the tournament they had in Cape Town and will most likely be back next year to put up an even bigger fight.
Ashleigh Gardner’s performance in the last match was nothing short of outstanding and she was rightly given a promotion to batting at number three this time. She joined hands with captain Mooney in her opening partnership, as Healy left the team post the last match. Australia was having a steady run-a-ball scoring run when overs 8 and 9 changed the course of their innings completely. The Proteas bowlers found it difficult to contain Gardner as she smashed two back-to-back sixes in Nadine de Klerk’s over and conceded 13 runs in it. In Mlaba’s next over, Australia was able manage 12 more runs quickly to go for 73 runs at 10 over mark, losing just one wicket. Clearly, this phase of batting decided Australia’s eventual score of 118 from 13 overs.
The Australian women’s cricket team had high hopes of a big score, with Gardner at the crease and looking unstoppable. But then Chloe Tryon was able to surge in and provide a much-need breakthrough in the 12th over. A short while later, Grace Harris also lost her wicket in the 9th delivery she faced, caught out by Mlaba’s first scalp of the day. Though Captain Lanning was able to contribute 10 runs herself, Kapp’s bowling saw her out soon enough. At this stage, it appeared that the hosts were in control, with the Australians unable to reach 150 runs; however Mooney refused to go down without a fight and blasted an amazing display for her team’s last three overs which really turned things around for Australia.
The Australian women’s cricket team were off to a flyer in their match against South Africa, with the 18th over producing 12 runs. However, this was nothing compared to the 22 runs added in the last two overs thanks to Megna Mooney’s unbeaten 74 from 53 balls and Ellyse Perry’s boundary hit. Despite the Australians’ excellent performance, it was not enough for South Africa to get a good start; with four overs producing just 13 runs due to effective bowling by Perry, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt and Gardner. This left South Africa playing catchup throughout the entire match.
The score mounting quickly had the Proteas feeling the pressure and Tazmin Brits was dismissed in the 5th over by Brown. With the match deciding their fate, opener Laura Wolvaardt stepped up to the challenge with determination. She batted confidently and attempted some big shots, but without complementary support from her cohort, Kapp saw her innings end at 11 runs with a dismissal from Gardner in the 9th over. Captain Sune Luus was also unable to contribute significantly, registering only 2 runs in what would prove to be a crucial match for them. Unfortunately her efforts were not enough as they did not make it through despite showing such promise early on.
In 2023 Women’s T20, it looked as if the hosts were slipping too far away from the target. However, Wolvaardt and Chloe Tryon managed to turn things around with an impressive fourth-wicket stand of 55 runs. Unfortunately for the hosts, Wolvaardt was dismissed by Schutt in the 17th over – but their partnership had put them back in a strong position to push for victory in the match.
It was a case of what could have been for South Africa at the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup. Skipper Mignon du Preez had put her team in a good position as she scored an impressive 48-ball 61 with 5 fours and 3 sixes. Shabnim Tryon provided excellent support down the other end, scoring 25 runs off 20 balls. With Annieke Bosch out the next over via run-out, it became clear that South Africa had no chance at lifting the trophy. However, if du Preez had stayed until the end, there would have been a glimmer of hope for South Africa to pull off a remarkable comeback victory.
Australia’s 20-run victory in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup was no small feat. Though they didn’t take any wickets, Schutt and Gardner’s performance during the last two overs were instrumental in not allowing the South African lower order to take risks or swing for big runs. As a result, South Africa only managed to produce 137/6 out of their 20 overs. Not only is this Australia’s sixth T20 World Cup win, but their third consecutive victory as well. On the other hand, although South Africa clearly hoped for a different outcome, they should still be proud of their performance being that it marks the first time they’ve reached the tournament finals.
5 unsold players from WPL who will stand out in the 2023 Women’s T20
2023 was a historic year for Women’s T20 cricket as the inaugural edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction was held on February 13 at the Jio World Center in Mumbai. Smriti Mandhana, Ashleigh Gardner, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Deepti Sharma, and Jemimah Rodrigues achieved huge success and became the costliest players of the event. With fans eagerly awaiting their favorite sportsperson’s performance in the tournament next month, BCCI recently announced the WPL schedule to give them an idea of when they can cheer on their stars. It is sure to be an exhilarating experience as these inspirational names have set the bar high with their auction bids.
The 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup is already under way, with some fabled young players turning heads with their exceptional performances. However, not all deserving players were able to make it on to a WPL squad despite the widespread anticipation they held before the auction. Taking in their respective experiences and incredible potentials, it is possible to say that these players should have been signed on during the event. Had those teams taken a chance to sign these names at the auction, this tournament could possibly have been so much more for them.
Ayabonga Khaka
Ayabonga Khaka has been a key member of the South African side since 2012, with her outstanding bowling performances earning her numerous wins for the national team in T20Internationals (T20Is). In 49 matches, she has taken a total of 47 wickets at an economy rate of 6.28 for South Africa. Since 2020, she has also participated in a number of tournaments in league cricket such as the Women’s T20 Challenge representing Supernovas and Velocity from 2020-21 and 2022 respectively. Most recently, she joined the Guyana Amazon Warriors for the 2023 Caribbean Premier League season; however, despite her vast experience playing a variety of formats at both international and league level, she received no bids in 2023 Women’s T20 player auction.
2023 Women’s T20 World Cup was a breakthrough moment for 20-year-old Mona Eltahawy as she emerged as the highest wicket-taker of her team with seven wickets in four games. She surprised everyone with her outstanding economy of 5.33, making her an exceptional talent to watch out for. Her stupendous performance in the semi-final game against archrival England was exemplary where she grabbed 4/29 figures and successfully took the team home with a win. Such remarkable efforts have surely made her the talk of all WPL franchises and she is already on their radar this season.
Lea Tahuhu
Leigha Motilal has been one of the most crucial figures in the world of women’s cricket. However, her performance in the Women’s T20 World Cup took her already-impressive track record to a new level. Picking up seven wickets in four matches at an economy of 5.33, Motilal becomes thehighest wicket-taker for her team and helped it to reach the semi-finals. By now, every fan and franchise across WPL have started taking Motilal’s name seriously, showing that she was absolutely indispensable during this marquee event. Her 4/29 figures against England in the semi-final game confirmed that she is capable of producing extraordinary results on the biggest stages.
32-year-old Lea Tahuhu deserves all the respect after an impressive outing in the 2023 Women’s T20 League. She was the fourth-highest wicket-taker during her time with the national team, having taken eight scalps in four games of the competition at a rather economical 6.33 runs per over. Based on her solid performance, it was expected that she would bag a hefty contract a team but, unfortunately, none exhibited any interest in signing her and she went unsold at auction. Nonetheless, she can take solace in knowing that she gave it all knew was due despite facing lack of appreciation from franchises.
Suzie Bates
Suzie Bates is an incredible batter in Women’s T20 Internationals. The stylish Kiwi opener has arrived in the world of international cricket back in 2006, at that time becoming an important figure in the national squad. Since then she became one of the most successful women batters in the history of T20Is, having 3,820 runs under her belt with a ton and 25 half-centuries in 143 matches at a strike rate of 109.70 – being certainly the leading run-scorer. Her exceptional batting performance brought to her an opportunity to enter the WPL auction with a base price of INR 30 lakh as her name among others was submitted for consideration. Surpassing it all was her international experience combined with premium level league performances such as those on WBBL and The Hundred Competition, making her a favourite pick for any team. Undoubtedly, Suzie Bates remains one amazing player worthy of admiration.
2023 was a disappointing year for 20-year old Simran Sehgal who, despite garnering an impressive 137 runs in the Women’s 2023 T20 World Cup, was ignored at the 2023 Player Auction. Despite being one of the leading run-getters in the tournament and exuding confidence with her batting performance, all the franchises chose to pass on her skill set. She ended up being the highest run-scorer for her team that year, yet Simran still didn’t get picked. A true testament to the current level of inequality in women’s cricket, this situation needs to be remedied swiftly so other upcoming female cricketers won’t find themselves in a similar position.
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt, the 23-year-old batswoman from South Africa, has played a crucial role in her team’s journey to the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup finals. She has accumulated 169 runs in five games thus far with an impressive strike rate of 100.69, and is the fourth highest run-scorer in the tournament. Impressive performances include her 50 against England in the semi-finals, helping South Africa secure their place in the final stage of the tournament. Earlier this month, Wolvaardt was part of 2023 WPL Player Auction with a base price of 30 lakh INR but remained unsold. In her national team, she carries out a vital role as an opener and looks to set a decent foundation for further higher scores.
2023 is set to be a major year for talented South African batter, having recently accumulated 1,018 runs with six half-centuries in her 52 Women’s T20 Internationals (WT20Is) for the country. More recently, she also played an integral role contributing to the Adelaide Strikers securing their first ever Women’s Big Bash League trophy. In doing so, she was the highest run-scorer for her team with 403 runs in 16 matches and an incredible strike rate of 106.05 which includes a half-century too. 2023 is sure to be special for this player as she looks ahead to building on these impressive feats come 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Tazmin Brits
Tazmin Brits has been making headlines in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup with her superb batting performances. She has hit 176 runs so far in the tournament across five matches at an impressive strike rate of 108.64, including two fifties and currently stands as the second-highest run-getter after England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt. However, what really helped her create an impact was her match-winning 68 runs (55 deliveries) against England in the semi-finals that propelled her team to victory and earned her a well deserved Player of the Match award. Her performance serves as a testament to her talent and experience, proving that despite being snubbed by franchises at the WPL auction, she is more than capable of dominating bowlers in T20 cricket.
India’s 2024 Women’s T20 qualification
India‘s impressive drive through the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa has seen them qualify automatically as one of the top-three finishers of their group. The achievement is significant not only for India, but also a wider collective that saw seven other teams – four of which included Bangladesh and Pakistan who were highest ranked – make the cut for the 2024 tournament set to be held in Bangladesh. Although India didn’t make it all the way, they played with mettle and courage throughout, pushing through difficult scenarios and demonstrating inspiring sportssmanship amidst pleasant surprises by some newcomers such as Arundhati Reddy who bowled magnificent spells. All these together make it clear to us why India was one of the frontrunners to qualify for the tournament; an accomplishment we are proud to celebrate.
The recently-held 2023 Women’s T20 has yielded eight qualification spots, with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa coming from Group 1 while England, India and the West Indies made it from Group 2. Unfortunately, neither Sri Lanka nor Ireland have managed to qualify – though they are ranked 8th and 10th respectively. However, all hope is not lost yet, as an ICC release has stated that a global qualifier in early 2024 will determine the remaining two available spots. It is an intriguing prospect for cricket lovers across the world to see who will put on a powerful performance in this historic event.