Women’s T20 World Cup: Australia get a crucial early win over South Africa.

T20 World Cup, Group 1, Edgbaston

Australia 172-8 (20 overs) Litchfield 50 (24), Perry 36 (26); Blade 2-22

South Africa 107 (16.4 overs): Wollwardt 44 (39); Wareham 3-13

Australia won by 65 runs.

score card. Tables

Australia kicked off their T20 World Cup campaign with a decisive 65-run win over arch-rivals South Africa in Group One.

50-over champions India are also in this pool, putting up a tough fight for the two semi-final spots, thrashing Australia for 172-8 and scoring an early total with confidence.

They removed Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen and Nadine de Klerk in the first seven overs and capitalized on the pressure as Laura Wollwardt tried to rebuild with Marizanne Kap.

Australia dropped de Klerk in the powerplay but two interceptions from Georgia Wareham, who took 3-13 and added a vital 32, proved crucial.

She finished off the dangerous all-rounder by tossing Cap from the deep for 12 and then took a sneaky low catch as she bowled Wollwardt for 44.

After that, Australia clinically bowled the lower order to dismiss the Pros for 107, the last three World Finals in the format.

Australia, under new captain Sophie Molyneux, were below their best with the bat, losing regular wickets but their impressive depth still scored a Test score.

Wareham’s knock came after 50 from Phoebe Litchfield. Ellyse Perry also contributed 36 points.

South Africa will now need to beat India when the sides meet at the same ground on Sunday, June 21.