ICC Women's T20WC: Australia skipper Molineux re-creates Warne's iconic Ashes celebration after title win
London, July 6
Following her side's record extending seventh ICC Women's T20 World Cup win, Australian skipper Sophie Molineux re-created late spin wizard Shane Warne's iconic celebration in the Lord's balcony on Sunday.
A half-century from the ultimate Aussie 'clutch-girl' Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield's fireworks helped Australian side mow down a modest 151 run target with seven wickets and 17 balls left.
After the match, Sophie, in pure jubilation, poured a bottle of beer on her head, much like a young Shane Warne, known for his love for alcohol, food, partying and for just being a mischievous character on and off the field. After sealing the 1997 Ashes in UK following a win at Trent Bridge, Warne was photographed pouring a bottle of beer on his head in the stadium's balcony.
Just like the late Aussie icon, Molineux was also seen celebrating with a stump holding a stump over head, as her teammates smiled and celebrated around her.
Coming to the match, an unbeaten England was put to bat first and was reduced to 70/4. From there, skipper Nat Sciver Brunt (58* in 53 balls, with five fours) and Freya Kamp (44* in 28 balls, with four boundaries and a six) formed an 80-run stand, taking England to 150/4 in 20 overs.
Kim Garth (1/20) and Molineux (1/32) were amongst the best bowlers, bowling their full four over quota.
During the chase, Australia lost Georgia Voll (9) early but knocks from Mooney (64 in 49 balls, with 10 fours) and Litchfield (48 in 35 balls, with six fours and two sixes) laid down a platform for Ellyse Perry (13*) and Ash Gardner (3*) to finish things off.
Mooney, the 'Player of the Match' continued her fantastic run in women's T20 WC knockouts, with 424 runs in 10 innings at an average of 70.66 and a strike rate of almost 133 with five fifties. With 238 runs in seven innings at an average of 47.6 and a strike rate of over 142, with three fifties, Mooney also bagged the 'Player of the Tournament' honours.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's great to see women's cricket getting moments like these. The celebration was iconic, no doubt. But I wish the ICC and broadcasters would give the women's game more coverage in India. We barely see these matches on mainstream TV. Kudos to the Aussies for making history again!
Beth Mooney is the GOAT of women's T20 World Cups. Period. 424 runs in knockouts alone is insane. The way she anchors the chase is like watching a masterclass. What a player! And that celebration by Molineux was pure emotion. Cricket at its best.
Not gonna lie, seeing a female cricketer recreate Warne's celebration was cool. It's about time women's cricket gets the same respect and visibility. As someone from the US, I'm still learning the sport, but matches like this make it exciting. Go Aussies! 🇦🇺
As an Indian cricket fan, I have to say: our women's team needs to take notes. The Aussies are just so clinical in every department. Mooney, Litchfield, Perry - they all know their roles perfectly. And that celebration? Pure class and nostalgia. Miss you, Warne. 🙏
I love how Molineux brought Warne's spirit back to Lord's. But let's not forget the real stars - Beth Mooney and Freya Kemp's batting was top-notch from both sides. England women put up a good fight too. This is the kind of cricket that inspires young girls in India to pick up the bat and ball.
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