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On March 8, 2020, Australia won their fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating India. Healy and Mooney’s strong opening led to 184. India was bowled out for 99.
On This Day In 2020: Australia secured their fifth title in 2020, defeating India in a one-sided final. (Image: @T20WorldCup/X, formerly Twitter)
On This Day In 2020: Australia have exhibited unparalleled dominance in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. They are the most successful team of the tournament with six titles. Starting from 2010, Australia lifted the Women’s T20 World Cup three times in a row, and replicated the feat between 2018 and 2023.
They secured their fifth title in 2020 on home soil, defeating India in a one-sided final, which was played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) five years back on this day (March 8). Batting first, Australia produced a mammoth 184 in 20 overs. In response, India suffered a batting collapse and ended up being bundled out for 99.
Considering the batting-friendly nature of the Melbourne surface, Australian captain Meg Lanning chose to bat first after winning the toss in the final. The opening pair of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney gave the hosts a perfect start. Both struck a half-century while stitching a 115-run partnership for the first wicket.
Healy was removed by Radha Yadav after scoring 75 off just 39 balls. Her blistering knock comprised seven boundaries and five sixes. Mooney remained unbeaten till the end at 78 runs, hitting ten fours.
Among the other Australian batters, Lanning added 16 to the score. Ashleigh Gardner and Rachael Haynes were dismissed early, managing only two and four runs respectively. India’s spin-bowling all-rounder Deepti Sharma took two wickets while Poonam Yadav and Radha Yadav each picked one.
India made a disastrous start to the chase, with star players like Shafali Verma, Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues all returning with single-digit scores. Smriti Mandhana also survived only eight deliveries and contributed 11 runs.
When India were reeling at 30/4, Deepti Sharma took over the charge, joining hands with Veda Krishnamurthy. The duo made some gritty efforts but could not chase down the huge target. Sharma finished as the top scorer with 33 runs while Krishnamurthy and Richa Ghosh combined for 37 runs.
Megan Schutt was the top-performing bowler for Australia with a four-wicket haul. Jess Jonassen also enjoyed a good outing and scalped three. Sophie Molineux, Delissa Kimmince and Nicola Carey took the remaining wickets. Alyssa Healy was named the Player of the Match for his impactful knock that built the foundation for the massive score.
