Watch: Meg Lanning pouches stunning diving catch in T20 World Cup SF against SA

There is a saying in cricket that in crucial matches small moments can make a lot of difference. Australian women’s team would feel the same about their captain Meg Lanning’s magnificent catch which she took on Thursday at the Sydney cricket ground. The catch eventually became an important moment in the course of Australia’s win over South Africa in the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 semi-final.

Meg Lanning pouches stunning catch

In the rain reduced semifinal, South Africa was given a total of 98 runs to chase in 13 overs. South Africa faltered early in the chase and was reduced to 24 for 2. In the fifth over, Mignon du Preez tried to hit a ball from Delissa Kimmince and was caught by Meg Lanning. She smashed the ball towards the extra cover region but Australian captain was standing on the edge of the circle and took a brilliant catch to dismiss for du Preez for a duck.

The diving catch taken by Meg Lanning was one of the best catches seen in the tournament. The catch was all the very important as du Preez is one of the best South African batswomen and getting her out cheaply laid the foundation for an Australian win. The target was very less but brilliant feeling and good bowling effort with the new ball insured Australia kept South Africa under pressure from the word go. Earlier in the day, Meg Lanning batted wonderfully and scored unbeaten 49 runs. Her batting effort ensured that Australia reaches a good total of 134 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

Even though South Africa faltered early in the chase, contribution from Laura Wolvaardt ensured that they were in the chase even going into the last over. But the South African side fell short by 5 runs of DL adjusted target and Australia qualified to the final of the ICC T20 World Cup for the 5th time.

Australia vs India, Final of T20 World Cup

The hosts and defending champions, Australia will now take on India in the final of the ICC women’s World T20 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 8 Sunday. The two teams also played the opening match of the tournament where India had beaten Australia by 17 runs.