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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Emma Kemp (now), Mike Hytner and Megan Maurice (earlier)

Australia beat South Africa by five wickets: ICC Women’s World Cup – as it happened

Australia captain Meg Lanning on her way to a century during the Women’s Cricket World Cup match against South Africa at Basin Reserve.
Australia captain Meg Lanning on her way to a century during the Women’s Cricket World Cup match against South Africa at Basin Reserve. Photograph: John Cowpland/AAP

Australia have made an absolute mockery of the competition at this tournament. On the weekend, after that World Cup-record chase of 277 against India, Alyssa Healy said her side could win from any position. This match has confirmed her words.

There were a couple of jittery moments early in Australia’s innings, when Healy fell in the third over and another two walked before the 20th was out. But even then, and even without Perry at No 4, there came a point when it was never in doubt. Lanning will go down as one of the greats of the game of any gender, as highlighted by the below match report, which I leave with you. Thanks for joining us and we’ll see you for the next one.

And so, that’s that. South Africa did not play badly. Apart from their fielding mishaps it was quite the contrary. They played well, and were still outplayed. They are capable and anything can happen in the knockout stages.

Up next for the Proteas are India on Saturday while Australia face Bangladesh on Thursday.

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