Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Australia vs South Africa,1st Semi Final: South Africa opt to field after winning toss

South Africa Women have won the toss and chosen to field in the high-stakes T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal against defending champions Australia. Tahlia McGrath, standing in for Alyssa Healy, walked out for the toss, indicating Healy's continued absence from the lineup due to injury. Healy’s fitness remains in doubt as she has not yet fully recovered.

South Africa have taken a more challenging road to reach the semifinals, contrasting with Australia’s smoother journey. But both teams are now just one step away from the final, making this encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium even more crucial.

A tale of two paths

For South Africa, the journey to the semifinals have been far from easy. They kicked off their campaign with a dominant 10-wicket win over the West Indies but stumbled in their next match, suffering a defeat against England. However, they bounced back strongly with two crucial victories against Bangladesh and Scotland, which secured their semifinal spot. Their net run-rate was just enough to edge out England in the standings.

On the other hand, Australia’s path to the semifinals have been a breeze. The defending champions breezed past their competition, securing three consecutive wins to maintain their title defence. Their toughest match came against India, who fought hard but ultimately fell short by nine runs. Australia's depth and experience helped them capitalize on key moments, ensuring their place in the final four.

Team News: Waiting on Healy’s Return

Purnima Malhotra, reporting live from the venue, provided updates on the Australian camp. Alyssa Healy, Australia's regular captain, has been seen walking around without the moon boot that she was wearing due to her injury. However, her match fitness remains uncertain, and she hasn’t participated in any training sessions leading up to this crucial semifinal. The Australian team has adapted to her absence, with Tahlia McGrath standing in as captain and Grace Harris taking over as opener.

Darcie Brown also stepped up in place of the injured Tayla Vlaeminck during the match against India, and it’s expected that Australia will stick with the same lineup for this match. The availability of Healy will likely be confirmed closer to the match, but the odds of her playing seem slim.

What they said at the toss

Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Captain):
"It's easy to get swept away by Australia and what they've achieved, but at the end of the day, if we play a good game of cricket, I think we have the talent to beat them. We've shown that in our T20 [series] earlier this year. You can see the same with England and India not qualifying for the semis – teams you thought would have progressed. But yeah, T20 cricket is a bit crazy sometimes. We just think if we keep it simple and focus on ourselves, we can do anything on the day."

Ellyse Perry (Australia Vice-Captain):
"As it stands, it's the same thing for Midge (Alyssa Healy), the medical staff and the team are going to give her every opportunity and possibility of playing tomorrow night. I don't think anything's changed in that respect. We'll just have to see in the next 24 hours."

As South Africa Women opt to field after winning the toss, both teams are preparing for a high-pressure contest. Australia, the reigning champions, have experience and momentum on their side, while South Africa comes into the match with a belief that they can upset the odds.

With uncertainty surrounding Alyssa Healy’s participation and a strong head-to-head record in Australia’s favor, South Africa will have to bring their best cricket to the field. As the two sides face off, the Dubai heat and the stakes of a World Cup semifinal will add to the drama. The match promises to be an intense battle as the teams vie for a spot in the final.

See Also: Fans react as India slump to historic low of 46 by New Zealand

Squads:

South Africa Women Squad: 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, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayanda Hlubi, Seshnie Naidu, Mieke de Ridder

Australia Women Squad: Grace Harris, Beth Mooney(w), Georgia Wareham, Tahlia McGrath(c), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, Alyssa Healy, Kim Garth, Alana King, Heather GrahamSquads: