Australia beats South Africa by 19 runs to win Twenty20 Women's World Cup

CAPETOWN: Australia retained the Women's Twenty20 World Cup title. Australia lifted the cup for the third consecutive time by defeating the host South Africa by 19 runs in the final.

The Aussies won the toss and batted first in Cape Town. When they scored 156 runs for the loss of six wickets, South Africa's reply was limited to 137/6.

In 53 balls, opener Beth Mooney hit nine fours and one six and scored 74 runs for the Aussies. Alyssa Healy (18) and Mooney together added 36 runs in the first 5 overs. Ashley Gardner, who replaced Healy, scored 29. Gardner left after adding 82 runs from 12 overs. When wickets fell, Mooney worked up to reach 156 runs. Laura Wolvaardt scored 61 runs for South Africa but with no win. Beth Mooney is the Player of the Match. Ashley Gardner became the Player of the tournament.