South Africa rode on Anneke Bosch's unbeaten 74 to cause a major upset by knocking out six-time champions Australia from the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. In a thrilling semi-final match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Proteas defeated the defending champions by eight wickets to make it to storm into final. This victory marked a significant turnaround for South Africa, who had lost to six-time champions Australia by 19 runs in the previous year's final.
South Africa rock Australia to dazzle into Women's T20 World Cup final
With this South Africa also avenged their previous defeat against Australia, who were missing their captain Alyssa Healy due to a foot injury. This win not only secured South Africa's place in the final but also ended Australia's impressive 15-match winning streak in the tournament. Notably, this will be second Women's T20 World Cup final appearance for South Africa.
Australia, after being asked to bat first, managed to post a score of 134 runs for the loss of five wickets. Grace Harris, who had impressed in the previous match against India, was dismissed early for three runs. Georgia Wareham also departed early, but Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath stabilized the innings with a 50-run partnership.
Nonkululeko Mlaba broke the partnership by dismissing McGrath for 27. Mooney continued to score runs but was eventually run out after contributing 44 runs. Ellyse Perry provided a quickfire 31-run knock, while Phoebe Litchfield added 16 runs.
For South Africa, Khaka was the standout bowler, taking two wickets for 24 runs. Marizanne Kapp and Mlaba also chipped in with a wicket each. Chloe Tryon bowled economically, supporting the main bowlers.
South Africa rode on Anneke Bosch's special in semifinal
South Africa's chase got off to a shaky start, scoring only four runs in the first two overs. However, Tazmin Brits quickly shifted the momentum with a couple of boundaries. Despite her dismissal by Annabel Sutherland, South Africa remained in control.
Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch formed a crucial 96-run partnership, taking the game away from Australia. Wolvaardt scored a well-paced 42 runs, while Bosch played a blistering knock of 74 runs off 48 balls.
Australia's bowling attack, led by Megan Schutt, failed to make any impact. Sutherland was the pick of the bowlers for Australia, taking two wickets to only see her side going down to South Africa. South Africa's impressive performance has set up a thrilling final against either New Zealand or West Indies. New Zealand will take on West Indies in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 seminal on October 18.
