South Africa comfortably defeated the strong Australian team by eight wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday (October 17) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
After being invited to bat first, Australia managed 134/5 in 20 overs, thanks to contributions from Beth Mooney (44), Ellyse Perry (31), Tahlia McGrath (27), and Phoebe Litchfield (16*). Ayabonga Khaka took two wickets for South Africa.
Australian pacer Annabel Sutherland dismissed Tazmin Brits (15) in the fifth over after the openers put up 25 runs. Anneke Bosch came in at number three and transformed the chase with an aggressive half-century.
Bosch finished with 74* off 48 balls, hitting eight fours and one six, leading her team to a convincing win. Laura Wolvaardt (42) supported her well in a match-winning 96-run partnership for the second wicket.
Bosch ended the match with a four in the 18th over, sparking celebrations in the South African camp. This marked their first-ever win against Australia in a T20 World Cup. You can watch the video here:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBO44wVNbD3/?igsh=d2xuNjF6Z213dmR4
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBO6D83sRfC/?igsh=OXZzMWk4eXF0OGVp
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBO8Covt-56/?igsh=M2lnNDNwdzh1dnU3
“One of the best wins in my cricketing career”-Laura Wolvaardt on South Africa’s win over Australia in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final
In the post-match presentation, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt described it as one of the best wins of her career. Reflecting on the memorable victory, she said:
“I think this win is right up there. One of the best wins in my cricketing career. Anneke batted exceptionally well and so did the bowlers. I think it’s been a good year for us. It’s been a collective good effort. Looking at ways finding the weakness and glad some of the plans worked tonight.”
She further continued:
“I think we didn’t have the best two overs at the start. Me and Tazmin had a chat that we need to get ahead of the game and then Anneke took it forward and played a blinder.”
”One of the best of Anneke’s career and what a time to bring it up. Both West Indies and New Zealand are destructive. West Indies a bit more now but you can’t take any team lightly. Good crowd here in Dubai.”
West Indies and New Zealand will compete in the second semi-final on Friday (October 18) in Sharjah. South Africa will meet the winner in the World Cup final on Sunday (October 20) in Dubai.
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