South Africa Women stunned six-time champions Australia Women, securing an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai. After choosing to bowl first, South Africa restricted Australia to 134/5 in 20 overs and comfortably chased down the target in 17.2 overs, losing just two wickets. This win takes South Africa into their second consecutive Women's T20 World Cup final.

Anneke Bosch's best knock leads South Africa to victory

Anneke Bosch, who had struggled throughout the tournament, stepped up when it mattered the most, playing a match-winning knock. She formed a crucial 96-run partnership with captain Laura Wolvaardt, guiding South Africa to a dominant win. Bosch finished unbeaten on 74 off 48 balls, hitting eight fours and a six. Her knock not only helped South Africa chase down 134 with ease but also earned her the Player of the Match award.

This innings marked Bosch's highest score in Women’s T20 Internationals, showcasing her resilience and timing in a critical match. She reached her fifth WT20I fifty in just 31 balls, delivering under immense pressure.

 

 

 

 

 

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See Also: India Women's squad announced for home WODI series against New Zealand Women

Captain Laura Wolvaardt steers the chase

South Africa's skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, provided a steady hand in the chase, scoring 42 off 37 balls before being dismissed. Wolvaardt’s composure at the top of the order, coupled with Bosch’s attacking strokeplay, ensured South Africa never lost control of the chase. Their partnership nullified any Australian attempts to stage a comeback.

While opener Tazmin Brits fell early to Annabel Sutherland for 15, Wolvaardt and Bosch’s partnership ensured South Africa reached the target without further major setbacks.

 

 

 

 

 

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Australia struggle to build momentum despite Mooney and McGrath partnership

Australia Women struggled to build momentum after early wickets in their innings. South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka dismissed opener Grace Harris for just 3 in the powerplay, and Marizanne Kapp quickly followed up by removing Georgia Wareham for 5.

 

 

 

 

 

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Despite these early blows, Beth Mooney and stand-in captain Tahila McGrath fought back, putting together a 50-run partnership for the third wicket. McGrath scored a gritty 27 off 33 balls before falling, while Mooney anchored the innings with 44 from 42 deliveries. However, a late run-out of Mooney, coupled with Ellyse Perry's 31 off 23 balls, left Australia with a modest total.

Phoebe Litchfield remained unbeaten on 16 from 9 balls but couldn’t push the score beyond 134/5. Khaka was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking 2 wickets for 24 runs in her four overs.

 

 

 

 

 

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