This remarkable victory of South Africa women not only marks their first-ever appearance in a final but also ends Australia’s reign, making it the first time since the inaugural 2009 edition that they won’t compete for the title.
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This remarkable victory of South Africa women not only marks their first-ever appearance in a final but also ends Australia’s reign, making it the first time since the inaugural 2009 edition that they won’t compete for the title.
Also, Australia Women’s streak of 15 consecutive wins in the Women’s T20 World Cup came to an end today.
This is the highest successful target chased by South Africa women.
Anneke Bosch earned the Player of the Match honor for her 48 ball 74 that sealed victory in the most crucial match of the South Africa women's cricket team.
In the post match interview, the South African batter said, "My heart is racing a lot, it was tough out there, glad we got past the line. I'm happy to have contributed some runs. Just keep scoring those runs, play with the conditions around and stick to what you do best (on the chat with Wolvaardt). His speeches before the game helps us focus on the game (On Paul Adams, the coach). It means a lot,can't really describe, we knew we were capable, had a pretty good tournament coming into the game. Our bats, Taz (Brits) and Laura (Wolvaardt) have been incredible, the bowlers have been superb right through the tournament and to restrict them for under 140 tonight was outstanding. Thanks to all the support from our fans, we had plenty of them last time around (when they hosted the tournament in 2023), but they've stood by us and keep supporting us going ahead to the final."
We just witnessed history being created at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 17, 2024. For the first time, South Africa Women have reached the final of the Women's T20 World Cup! This marks their second victory against six-time champions Australia in their T20 encounters.
RSA-W: 135/2 (17.2)
Sutherland claims her second wicket as Proteas captain Wolvaardt departs, caught by McGrath for 42 runs off 37 balls, including three fours and one six. At 121/2 in 14.6 overs, Wolvaardt has been a key player since the start, affirming South Africa's strong position in the chase!
South Africa Women need 11 runs in 24 balls.
RSA-W:121/2 (15)
It’s not a stellar bowling performance from the six-time champions today, while the Proteas Women are simply on fire! Remember that stunning six by Laura 32 runs off 28 balls and the three boundaries from Bosch (45 off 29 balls)? They’re making an incredible run in their chase. Australia will need to summon another comeback, just like they did in the first innings!
South African women need 42 runs in 48 balls.
RSA-W: 81/1 (11)
South African women aim to make history today, but it's definitely not coming easy. The powerplay finally sees a breakthrough for Australia as Sutherland bowls Tazmin Brits for 15 runs off 15 balls.
Now at the crease, Anneke Bosch has 13 runs off 10 balls with two boundaries, while Laura Wolvaardt is on fire, adding two more boundaries to the total!
RSA-W: 53/1 (7)
The second innings begins! South Africa’s top openers, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, take their positions at the crease as Australia’s star bowler, Megan Schutt, opens the attack. The Proteas Women must chase down a 135-run target to make history today!
RSA-W:2/0 (1)
Just as we anticipated a comeback, Australia remain steadfast, just as they have been always. Perry contributes with two boundaries, scoring 22 off 31 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield adds 16 off 9 balls. Together, they stabilize the innings, pushing the score to 130+.
However, in the very last ball, Ayabonga Khaka makes a fall, dismissing Perry, caught by Tazmin Brits!
AUS-W: 134/5 (20)
As we head into the death overs, Australia aims to set a target of at least 120+ runs, but they'll have to do so without Mooney, who departs with a solid 44 runs off 42 balls. Kapp claims her second wicket with a run-out, as the original decision is confirmed after review. Now, left-handed batter Phoebe Litchfield comes to the crease.
AUS-W: 103/4 (17)
That wicket marks Mlaba's 10th of the tournament! Australia may have stabilized their innings a little bit, but then Mlaba steps to shine. She delivers to and gets McGrath out for 27 runs off 33 balls, caught by Annerie Dercksen at backward point. Ellyse Perry, the seasoned right-hander, now takes her bat to the crease. Can she make a difference?
AUS-W: 71/3 (12.5)
The last three overs yield just 9 runs from the Australian batters. Alyssa Healy’s side needs to rediscover the aggressive pace they showcased earlier this season if they want to turn things around!
AUS-W: 44/2 (9)
The powerplay concludes with Australia at a modest 27, having lost two key batters at the hands of Khaka and Kapp. The defending champions face a serious moment now in building their innings—will they stage a comeback later, or are the Proteas set to fulfil their dreams and defy the odds? It’s all on the line
AUS-W: 27/2 (5)
Here comes another over—and another wicket! Kapp strikes, dismissing Wareham, caught brilliantly by Sinalo Jafta! After a shout for caught behind, SA ask for review. UltraEdge reveals a spike as the ball passes close to the bat. The original call is overturned, and Wareham is out for 5 runs off 9 balls.
Now Tahlia McGrath, right handed bat, comes to the crease.
AUS-W: 20/2 (3.2)
Just in the second over of the game, we’re treated to a breathtaking catch by Bosch! Yabonga Khaka enters the scene and strikes immediately, sending Grace Harris packing for just 3 runs off 5 balls with her very first delivery. Now, Georgia Wareham, a right-handed dynamo, steps up to the crease.
AUS-W:8/1 (1.4)
And the thrill begins! From Australia Grace Harris and Mooney takes the crease. South Africa's Marizanne Kapp opens the attack.
AUS-W: 2/0 (0.3)
Australia Women (Playing XI): Grace Harris, Beth Mooney(w), Tahlia McGrath(c), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta(w), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka
South Arica captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to field first in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 first semi-final match against Australai on Thursday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
South Africa are no match for Australia who have won nine out of the 10 WT20I games, with the former's only win coming in January this year. The head-to-head record at the Women's T20 World Cup is even more intimidating as Australia have won all seven encounters.
South Africa Women Squad: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta(w), Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Ayanda Hlubi, Mieke de Ridder
Australia Women Squad: Alyssa Healy(w/c), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Beth Mooney, Georgia Wareham, Grace Harris, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Annabel Sutherland, Megan Schutt, Kim Garth, Alana King, Tayla Vlaeminck, Darcie Brown.
The Australia-W Vs South Africa-W, Women's T20 World Cup 2024 1st semi-final will be telecast on the Star Sports Network in India and will be live-streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website in India. (Scorecard)