Australia thump South Africa in Women's T20 World Cup

MANCHESTER: Phoebe Litchfield's quickfire half-century, followed by Georgia Wareham's three-wicket haul, powered Australia to a comprehensive 65-run victory over South Africa in the third match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 here at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Australia captain Sophie Molineux's decision to bat first paid dividends as the six-time champions piled up a formidable total of 172/8 in their 20 overs.

Leading the way for them was Litchfield, who top-scored with a quickfire 50 off just 24, smashing nine fours and a six.

Besides her, experienced all-rounder Ellyse Perry and Georgia Wareham made notable contributions to Australia's total, scoring 36 and 32, respectively.

For South Africa, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Ayabonga Khaka bagged two wickets each, while Marizanne Kapp and returning Shabnim Ismail could pick up one apiece.

Set to chase a daunting 173-run target, South Africa's batting unit faltered and could muster 107 before getting bowled out in 16.4 overs and thus succumbed to a gruelling defeat in their campaign opener.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt waged a lone battle for the Proteas and top-scored with a 39-ball 44, laced with two fours and a six, while Nadine de Klerk (25) and Kapp (12) were the others to amass double figures.

Wareham spearheaded Australia's bowling charge with economical bowling figures of 3/13 in her 2.4 overs, followed by Alana King and skipper Molineux with two each, while Kim Garth and Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with one scalp apiece.

For her all-round exploits, Wareham was adjudged the Player of the Match.