DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — South Africa dominated defending champions Australia in the first semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Thursday, winning by eight wickets and advancing to their second consecutive final. .
In a reversal from the 2023 final in Cape Town, South Africa trailed Australia at 134-5 with 16 balls to spare. Australia, who have won the tournament six times, achieved their third consecutive victory.
Anneke Bosch led the way with 74 off 48 balls, including eight fours and one six, as Proteas finished with 135-2 in 17.2 overs.
She was assisted by skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who set the early pace with 42 off 37 balls, hitting three fours and a six.
South Africa, who defeated Australia for the first time in the competition’s history, will now await the winner of the second semi-final between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday.
The final will be held in Dubai on Sunday.
This match ended Australia’s 15-game winning streak. Furthermore, it is only the second time since 2009 that the team, who have won six of the nine Women’s T20 World Cups, have failed to advance to the finals.
Prior to this, South Africa opted to bowl and made two important early breakthroughs.
Opening pitcher Grace Harris got three points from Ayabonga Karka, and Georgia Wareham got five points from Marizanne Cupp.
Australia were at a 18-2 deficit in the third over, but were saved by a 50-run partnership between Beth Mooney and captain Talia McGrath.
Mooney top-scored with 44 of 42 pitches, with two walks, and looked poised to lead the inning to a competitive total.
Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba made the breakthrough, dismissing McGrath in the 13th over with 27 off 33 balls.
The turning point came in the 17th over, when Cupp beat Mooney. Ellyse Perry scored 31 off 23 balls to cross the 100 mark. However, Australia failed to muster enough momentum in the final over.
Annabelle Sutherland provided an early wicket in the chase, bowling Tazmin Blitz for 15.
However, Wolvaardt and Bosch took control and completed 96 off 65 balls for the second wicket. This is South Africa’s best partnership on a wicket against Australia in a T20.
Bosh continued to record the highest individual score of the tournament, hitting 50 off 31 pitches.
Sutherland made the breakthrough in the 15th over, but it was too late for the outgoing champions, who were thoroughly outplayed that night.
Bosch was named Player of the Match for his undefeated knockout.
“My heart is pounding. It was tough on the outside, but I’m really happy to cross the goal line. We knew we were capable and we had a good tournament ahead of us. Tonight we gave them 140. “It was great to be able to limit it to less than that,” she said. .
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