Australia women's cricket team recorded a thrilling five-wicket win against South Africa in the third T20I match in Hobart on Tuesday, Beth Mooney's 82 off 55 balls helped the hosts chase down a 163-run target to clinch the three-match series by 2-1.
The veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp recorded a brilliant 75 off 48 balls knock and Chloe Tryone added a quick 26 runs to help South Africa post a big total of 162 batting first. But despite early setbacks, Mooney's sensational fifty proved enough for Australia to register a hard-fought win at Bellerive Oval with four balls remaining.
After the historic maiden win against Australia in the last match, South Africa produced another impressive performance eyeing a series win. South Africa made no changes to their playing eleven while Australia recalled pacer Darice Brown.
In-form Ashleigh Gardner stunned the Proteas by dismissing Tazmin Brits on a duck in the very first over. South Africa also lost captain Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luss in the fifth over but Kapp, batting at no.3, joined by Anneke Bosch added 80 runs for the fourth wicket to balance the game.
Kapp top-scored with 75 off 48 balls before getting bowled out by Tahlia McGrath in the 17th over but crucial cameos from Tryon and Nadine de Klerk boosted South Africa to a fighting total of 162/7.
Chasing a tough total, captain Alyssa Healy was dismissed on just 10 by pacer Nonkululeko Mlaba. Mooney kept the runs coming from one end but Australia lost Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath and Phoebe Litchfield cheaply to concede momentum to the travelling side.
But Mooney and Gardener's 45-run stand for the fifth wicket proved the difference in the closing stages. Ayabonga Khaka tried to bring the visitors back in the game with Mooney's wicket in the 18th over but Gardener assured no late drama by smashing 26* off 17 balls to drag Australia to a deserving win.
South Africa Women Playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka
Australia Women Playing XI: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ellyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Darcie Brown, Megan Schutt
