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AAP
AAP
Sport
Annesha Ghosh

Unchanged Australia opt to bat in T20 World Cup final

Australian captain Meg Lanning won the toss and opted to bat first in the T20 World Cup final. (Simon Sturzaker/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Meg Lanning, playing her 100th T20 international as Australia captain, has called it right at the toss in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa at Newlands and opted to bat as her side eye their sixth short-format world title.

South Africa, first-time finalists at any World Cup across men's and women's cricket, also decided to field the same XI as they did in their last-four clash for Sunday's showdown in Cape Town.

"It will stay the same throughout the day," Lanning said about the pitch, which was used for the two semi-finals and has yielded totals in excess of 155 across all four innings.

Sune Luus, the South Africa captain, admitted she, too, wanted to set a target, but backed her team to "stay calm and do our best" in the chase before a partisan home crowd of about 13,000.

Australia, undefeated in the tournament and against South Africa at all T20 World Cups across its eight editions, are coming off a five-run win over India at the same venue on Thursday while the hosts pulled off a six-run upset over England a day later.

With pacers from both teams having played momentum-changing roles in their respective semi-finals, Australia quicks Darcie Brown, Ellyse Perry and Megan might be in for good purchase in the balmy conditions.

South Africa's pace battery, comprising Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and Nadine de Klerk, could also have a decisive imprint.

Australia: Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning (c), Ashleigh Gardner, Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Jess Jonassen, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.

South Africa: Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus (c), Chloe Tryon, Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululekho Mlaba.

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