The Australian women’s cricket team wrote a new chapter in cricketing history today, becoming the first team – regardless of gender – to successfully defend an ICC World Twenty20 title. In a thrilling final at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the Southern Stars defeated arch-rivals England by a narrow four-run margin.
Captain by wicket-keeper Jodie Fields, Australia’s victory in 2012 followed their triumph in the previous tournament held in the West Indies in 2010. This back-to-back success solidifies their position as a powerhouse in women’s T20 cricket.
The final was a nail-biting affair, with Australia posting a competitive total. The standout performance came from Jess Cameron, who was awarded the Player of the Match for her decisive knock of 45 runs from just 34 balls. Her innings was not only crucial to Australia’s total but also stands as the highest individual score in a Women’s World Twenty20 final to date.
England’s women had made history themselves by winning the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup in 2009. However, since then, Australia has dominated, securing the title in both 2010 and now 2012.
In the men’s equivalent, the World Twenty20 title has seen a different champion in each edition leading up to 2012: India in 2007, Pakistan in 2009, England in 2010, and the West Indies, who claimed their first major trophy since 1979, in 2012.
Today’s triumph for the Australian women marks a significant milestone, showcasing their consistent excellence and setting a new standard for championship defense in the dynamic world of Twenty20 cricket.
