The last week of women’s cricket action saw South Africa touring Pakistan for a three-match T20I series, while New Zealand is currently facing Australia in their own three-match T20I series. These games are crucial for both teams as they prepare for the Women’s T20 World Cup, set to begin in October in the UAE.

Several players stepped up with standout performances, demonstrating their readiness for the global tournament. Among them were Laura Wolvaardt, Phoebe Litchfield, and Ashleigh Gardner. Australia’s captain Beth Mooney also reached an important milestone, playing her 100th T20I match, against New Zealand.

Ashleigh Gardner: 3 for 17 vs New Zealand (22nd September)

Ashleigh Gardner showcased her brilliance with the ball in the second T20I against New Zealand. After Australia posted 142 runs on the board in their 20 overs, it was crucial for their bowlers to step up. Gardner led the way, delivering a superb spell and taking 3 wickets for just 17 runs in her 4 overs. She dismissed key players like Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, and Maddy Green, breaking the backbone of New Zealand’s batting order. Thanks to her efforts, Australia won the game by 29 runs, sealing the series with a match still to play.

Phoebe Litchfield: 64* vs New Zealand (1st T20I)

In the first T20I against New Zealand, Phoebe Litchfield played a match-winning knock under pressure. Chasing 144, Australia found themselves in trouble at 44 for 3 when Litchfield came to the crease. The young left-hander played a composed yet aggressive innings, scoring an unbeaten 64 off 43 deliveries. Her smart stroke play helped Australia chase down the target with 8 balls to spare, showing maturity beyond her years.

Laura Wolvaardt: 36 and 45 vs Pakistan (2nd and 3rd T20I)

South African captain Laura Wolvaardt was in fine form during her team’s series against Pakistan. In the second T20I, Wolvaardt made a quickfire 36 from 25 balls, hitting 5 fours and a six. Although her team fell short in their chase of 182, her innings gave them a solid start. She followed this up with another impressive performance in the third T20I, scoring 45 off 37 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes. Her knock laid the foundation for South Africa’s successful chase of 154, helping them win the match by 8 wickets and secure the series.

The performances of Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, and Laura Wolvaardt over the past week have highlighted their form heading into the Women’s T20 World Cup. Gardner’s bowling was instrumental in Australia’s win against New Zealand, while Litchfield’s composed batting under pressure helped her team chase down a tricky target. Wolvaardt continued to lead from the front for South Africa with two solid knocks in their series win over Pakistan. These players, along with others, are peaking at just the right time as they look to make an impact in the upcoming tournament.