- Shamser Khalid
Social Media Explodes After Australia Women's Victory
Australia has won its sixth Women’s T20 World Cup title! After beating South Africa by 19 runs in the summit clash at Newlands in Cape Town, fans had plenty to say on social media.
Even before the 2023 Women's World Cup, Australia has been dominating the Women’s cricket scene for a while now. They won the T20 World Cup in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, and now, in 2023.
Many fans credited Australia for its dominance in the sport. However, some praised South Africa for reaching the finals and showing their fighting spirit.
Fan Comments
Plenty of fans had something to say about Australia's victory. One cricket enthusiast commented, "It’s not that Australia outplayed the opponents in semis and the final - But you just can’t shake their basics on the big stage - especially their fielding. And that’s where the catch-up needs to happen ... margins getting closer but Aus still leads the pack."
Another fan questioned why the World Cup was even organized in the first place, suggesting that Australia should be given the trophy directly.
Comments from other Players and Officials
In addition to several fans, there were many cricket players and officials that commented on the victory.
Among the different players that commented on the Aussie's 6th World Cup win was English cricketer Alexandra Hartley. In her tweet she wrote, Australia showing yet again why they are the greatest sporting team of all time. Congratulations Australia South Africa, you’ve created history, that is enough to be proud of."
Some commended South Africa's efforts in the match. One such person was Graeme Smith, a South African cricket commentator, and former cricketer. In his post, he expressed pride in the South African team's performance, acknowledging that they gave it their all against an incredible Australian team. He ended by congratulating Australia on its victory in the tournament.
Player Statements
One of the star players of the tournament was Ashleigh Gardner, who was awarded the Player of the Series award. She played a vital role in Australia's victory, scoring 110 runs at an average of 36.66 and taking nine wickets at an average of 11.67 in five matches. In the post-match presentation, Gardner expressed her team's longing for this moment since the last World Cup. She also spoke about how proud she is to be part of such an impactful team.
“We spoke about wanting to do this, so really proud. Confidence in my bowling. I have bowled quite a bit even in the Big Bash. Thankfully it (form) has come into international cricket as well. Proud is probably as an understatement for the impact we have had globally as a team. Very fortunate to be part of this team and it is something later in life I am going to be super proud of,” she added.
What's Next?
Following the ICC 2023 Women's World Cup, there will be another competition coming up, and it is the Women's Premiere League (WPL). It is an upcoming women's Twenty20 cricket franchise league in India, and it is the first season of the league. The WPL will be played in March 2023 in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai and feature five franchises.
