As the confetti blows across Newlands and the Aussies pose for photos, the South Africans go on a low-key lap of honour round the crowd.
That’s it from me – a great match, a great competition. Inevitable, deserved, winners in Australia’s female Invincibles – but they had surprise opponents in the final. Young players like Richa Gosh shone, Ireland, Pakistan, inched up the ladder. To Australia, the trophy, but to South Africa, the spoils. May their journey to the final set women’s cricket in Africa on an upwards path. Thanks for reading – good night!
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The Aussies get their medals – what a roll-call of names!
Meg Lanning has her left hand on her hip and her right hand round a microphone:“It is a pretty special effort from the group. We thought it was a good score but we had to bowl well, but the wicket probably wasn’t as good as it was in the semi-final. It was just about enjoying the opportunity, we knew it would be a great atmosphere and we wanted to - when the pressure was on - keep things simple. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, been able to get out and see what this beautiful country has to offer. Its a special group not just the players but the support group who put in the work behind the scenes and also family and friends.”
She walks off, lifts the trophy with her team, champagne explodes – into Perry’s left eye -and the fireworks shoot into the sky.
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