South Africa Knock Out Australia to Enter Women’s T20 World Cup Final
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| South Africa beat Australia for the first time in a T20 World Cup to qualify for the title clash / Getty |
South Africa stormed into their second consecutive ICC Women's T20 World Cup final with a commanding eight-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final at the Dubai International Stadium.
Anneke Bosch's unbeaten 74 and captain Laura Wolvaardt's 42 led the chase as South Africa comfortably overhauled Australia’s 134/5 with 16 balls to spare, ending Australia's seven consecutive finals streak in the tournament.
Australia, playing their first ICC tournament after Meg Lanning’s retirement and missing the injured Alyssa Healy, struggled to build momentum throughout their innings. South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Ayabonga Khaka (2/24) and Marizanne Kapp, kept the six-time champions in check, particularly during the powerplay. Australia managed just 35 runs for the loss of two wickets in the first six overs, their lowest powerplay total in the competition.
Australia’s innings saw moments of promise, particularly during a 50-run stand between Beth Mooney (44 off 42) and Tahlia McGrath (21), but wickets at regular intervals stifled their scoring. Mooney, who crossed 3,000 T20I runs during her knock, was run out following a brilliant piece of fielding from Kapp, leaving Australia at 94/4. Late contributions from Ellyse Perry (31*) and Phoebe Litchfield helped Australia post 134/5, but it was not enough against a determined South African side.
In response, South Africa’s openers provided a solid foundation, with Tazmin Brits (18) and Wolvaardt taking on Australia’s bowlers. Despite Brits’ dismissal by Annabel Sutherland (2/26), the 96-run partnership between Wolvaardt and Bosch put South Africa in control. Bosch’s aggressive stroke play, including nine boundaries and two sixes, took the game away from Australia as South Africa cruised to victory, knocking out the tournament favorites.
Brief Score:
Australia: 134/5 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 44,
Ellyse Perry 31*, Ayabonga Khaka 2/24)
South Africa: 135/2 in 17.2 overs (Anneke Bosch 74*, Laura Wolvaardt 42,
Annabel Sutherland 2/26)
South Africa won by 8 wickets.
This victory marks only the second time South Africa has beaten Australia in a T20I, their first win coming earlier this year. Now, South Africa stands one win away from claiming their maiden T20 World Cup title, a remarkable feat after defeating the formidable Australian side.
South Africa will face the winner of the second semi-final in the final, where they hope to cap off their historic campaign with a world title.