South Africa has done the unthinkable! In a dramatic semi-final clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the Proteas women’s cricket team pulled off a sensational victory over defending champions Australia, booking their spot in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final. This historic win not only ended Australia's reign but also propelled South Africa into their first-ever T20 World Cup final, leaving the cricket world buzzing with excitement.
Final Score: Australia Women
134/5 (20.0)
South Africa Women
135/2 (17.2)
South Africa Women beat Australia Women by 8 wickets
Bosch’s Heroics Light Up Dubai
The match’s defining moment came from South Africa’s Anneke Bosch, who delivered a masterclass performance with the bat, guiding her team to victory with a brilliant unbeaten 74 off just 48 balls. Bosch’s fearless approach saw her tear through the Australian bowling attack, hitting nine boundaries and a towering six that had the fans on their feet.
Chasing Australia’s total of 134/5, South Africa’s top order was off to a solid start, with captain Laura Wolvaardt playing a steady knock of 42 from 37 deliveries. Despite the early departure of Tazmin Brits (15 from 15), Bosch and Wolvaardt kept South Africa comfortably ahead of the required run rate. Bosch’s composed finish, capped by the winning boundary, sealed an eight-wicket victory with 16 balls to spare, sparking jubilant scenes among the Proteas fans.
Australia’s Struggles with the Bat
Australia, known for their consistent dominance in T20 cricket, struggled to find momentum after losing two quick wickets early in their innings. South Africa’s decision to bowl first paid off, with Ayabonga Khaka dismissing Grace Harris for 3 in the opening over. Georgia Wareham followed soon after, leaving Australia at a precarious 18/2.
Beth Mooney (44 from 42) and Tahlia McGrath (27) attempted to rebuild, but South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack kept the pressure on. Nonkululeko Mlaba’s key dismissal of McGrath, followed by a sharp run-out from Marizanne Kapp to remove Mooney, left Australia scrambling for runs. Late hitting from Ellyse Perry (31 off 23) and Phoebe Litchfield (16* off 9) gave Australia some hope, but their final score of 134/5 proved insufficient.
Khaka and Kapp Shine with the Ball
South Africa’s bowlers were on point throughout, with Ayabonga Khaka leading the charge. Her figures of 2/24 set the tone for the Proteas’ success. Marizanne Kapp contributed with both ball and fielding brilliance, while Mlaba’s crucial wicket of McGrath ensured Australia never really got the upper hand.
Bosch’s Match-Winning Performance
Anneke Bosch was the undisputed star of the day. Her innings was a masterclass in chasing under pressure, displaying a perfect mix of aggression and calm. Bosch’s ability to find the boundary regularly while keeping the scoreboard ticking over left Australia’s much-feared bowling attack without answers.
Bosch’s Player of the Match performance was capped off with a boundary to win the game, sending South Africa to the final and ending Australia’s hopes of securing yet another title.
What’s Next for South Africa?
South Africa’s journey to their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final is a monumental achievement. They now await the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and West Indies, taking place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on 18 October 2024 at 16:00. The final, scheduled for Sunday, 20 October, will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 16:00.
With one more victory, the Proteas could write their names into the history books and bring home their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
#TheGTGuy #Potchefstroom #potchgazette #stroomstories #T20cricket #womencricket
