The International Cricket Council has congratulated world champion Australia for winning the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship with its last set of matches still to go.
Australia emerged the winner following England’s five-wicket win for a 2-1 series victory over the West Indies which has put Australia in an unassailable position with a tally of 30 points after 18 of its 21 matches.
After 18 matches, England is on 23 points and can reach a maximum of 29 points at the end of the tournament, while the West Indies can at best reach 28 points after its three remaining matches. The other teams can only finish lower even if they win all their remaining matches.
ICC Women’s Committee Chair and former England captain Clare Connor said Australia’s consistency through the tournament helped it emerge on top in style.
“The ICC Women’s Championship is not an easy tournament to play in, because you compete against the best teams of the world. All credit to Australia for winning the championship with some matches still to go. It has taken consistent performances over a long period of time for this achievement.”
She also congratulated Australia captain Meg Lanning and said the UK looks forward to hosting her side next year for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.
While the top four sides from the ICC Women’s Championship qualify direct for the ICC Women’s World Cup, the bottom four sides will get a final chance of qualification through the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier in February 2017.
Australia will be presented the championship trophy following its final ICC Women’s Championship match against South Africa in Sydney on 23 November.
