ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023: 5 most memorable knocks from the tournament
It features the first Pakistani centurion in women's T20, a player who has scored half-centuries in two consecutive ICC World Cup finals, and a clinical performance from the semi-final, among others.
The eighth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was held in South Africa. A total of 10 teams participated in the biennial international championship, among which Australia, India, England and South Africa qualified for the knockouts.
The world’s top-ranked side, Australia, entered the finals as favourites after winning all four of their group A matches. The Meg Lanning-led side defeated first time World Cup finalists South Africa, to claim their sixth T20 World Cup trophy.
Throughout the World Cup, we witnessed some breathtaking knocks that steered the matches into favourable directions and had tremendous impact on the overall tournament results. These knocks not only immortalised the batters but also added great value to their respective teams and the tournament in general. Today we will look at 5 top-notch knocks which were the highlights of the tournament.
Here are the 5 best knocks from ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023
5. Chamari Athapaththu's 68 vs SA
South Africa locked horns with Sri Lanka in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener at the Newlands Cricket Ground on February 10. The hosts opted to bowl first after winning the toss. They were soon made to repent their decision by Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu who scored a brilliant half-century to lead Sri Lanka to a respectable total.
Athapaththu shared a second-wicket partnership of 86 runs with youngster Vishmi Gunarathne, who scored 35. The 33-year-old batter smashed 68 off 50 balls, including 12 fours before being dismissed by Marizanne Kapp. The left-handed batter’s knock enabled Sri Lanka to post a total of 129/4 after 20 overs.
South Africa got off to a brisk start but lost three key wickets early into their innings. The Sune Luus-led side could only manage to score 126/9 in the allotted overs. With accurate bowling backed by good fielding, Sri Lanka upset the host nation by three runs. Athapaththu’s gritty knock rightfully made her win the 'Player of the Match award' in the opening match.
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