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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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:

No team carries the baggage and feels the pain of the World Cup knock-outs like South Africa. From facing a scenario where rain took their target down to 22 off 1 ball to watching the South Africans shed tears on the field in 2015, South Africa has seen all the lows possible. They came into this World Cup as well with not many giving them a chance. Their dismal performance in 2019 had many writing them off with a similar unit coming together again. South Africa though has rallied really well and is rolling strong.

Australia too was written off early on. Losing a series to South Africa and then losing their first two games in the tournament had many betting against them. Australia though in Australian fashion is now back and is looking very commanding. They have had some adrenaline-generating wins on the way and walk in really high on confidence.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: November 16th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

AUS vs SA Weather Report

There has been some rain on the radar for both the 16th and the reserve day on the 17th.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Eden Gardens has seen some big scores but has also been a little challenging for the batters. The track tends to get slower as the game goes on and batting first is proving to be an advantage at the venue.

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, Henrich Klaasan, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj

AUS Playing XI

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne/ Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

AUS vs SA Key Players

David Warner

David Warner has been in really good form through the tournament. He is cementing his spot as an ODI Goat and with two games left in his Final World Cup, David Warner will be eager to go out with a bang, ensuring he does get both games to play.

Quinton De Kock

For Quinton De Kock the upcoming game could be his Final ODI. He along with David Miller know the pressure of a Semi-Final better than anyone in the side and were a part of the star studded group in 2015. Now, with a lot more experience, Quinton De Kock will be eager to ensure he does not repeat what happened in 2015, particularly with his keeping where he was involved in a fumble causing a missed run-out.

AUS vs SA Match Tips

South Africa has had the better of Australia all year. Australia though know how to play at the big stage and are a transformed side from what they were six weeks ago. South Africa too with their record in knock-outs will be one to watch given their previous history.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

Two heavy-weights and fierce rivals historically get ready for another trial by spin. Lucknow, known to aid the spinners well will be a challenge particularly for Australia who struggled to tackle the Indian spinners at Chennai. South Africa come in a little better placed with middle order batters who look a lot more capable against spin.

The upcoming battle looks pretty interesting with both sides coming with contrasting results in their previous games. Prior to this fixture, they had an ODI Series as well which saw South Africa win the series after being down 3-0. Incidentally, South Africa beat Australia by ten runs in a thriller last time to close out what was a disappointing tournament that also put an end to Faf Du Plessis’s ODI Career.

With retirements coming, the fixture holds further significance with a decade of rivalries coming to an end. David Warner and Quinton De Kock is one, and Steve Smith and Rabada is another which could be seeing its last few encounters.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: October 12th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Lucknow

AUS vs SA Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Lucknow could be good for batting but with dew likely later in the evening batting second will continue to be the way to go.

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head in World Cups

Played- 108| Australia- 50 | South Africa- 54 | NR- 1 | Tie- 3

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head

Played- 6| Australia- 3 | South Africa- 2 | NR- 0 | Tie- 1

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

AUS Playing XI

David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchel Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Adam Zampa

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, David Miller, Henrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee/ Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

See Also: https://cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/crickets-biggest-event-kicks-off-as-a-generation-faces-off

BAN vs AFG Key Players

David Warner

David Warner was in really good touch against South Africa before the World Cup. He started the World Cup decently, getting a pretty solid start but will be hoping to carry on against a side has done well against in the past.

Henrich Klaasen

With a trial by spin awaiting, Henrich Klaasen will be one to watch. He is really good against spin bowling and has been in rampaging form in recent games.

AUS vs SA Match Tips

South Africa are in really good form and have a line-up which is churning big scores and can handle spin nicely. Australia on the other side have lost their last six ODIs and are looking for a win. Australia and World Cups though have a different ring to it and the upcoming game against a fierce rival with their backs against the wall on a spinning track could bring the best out of them.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

Australia sealed the series, David Warner is back in form and a spot in the World Test Championship Finals is all but sealed. They didn’t make it without scars though. While South Africa went down, Anrich Nortje gave a lot of effort to ensure he takes a few Australians down with him. As a result of some tough periods, Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc are out of the SCG Test with injuries, allowing Australia to rotate their bowlers ahead of the India challenge.

South Africa, with this series loss are now in a tough position with regards to the WTC. They lost their first Test series in Australia since 2006. and now bleak hopes of making the Finals. Their batting is a huge concern too as the batting line-up is in shambles. Keegan Peterson is likely to comeback in the future but the others are still an issue. With the bowling, Rabada could not stick to his line and length while Anrich Nortje was left with a lot to do.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: January 4th, 2023

Time:  5:00 AM IST

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground

AUS vs SA Weather Report

The Weather at Sydney is pretty good for the upcoming game.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

The Sydney pitch is traditionally drier and could help spinners more, prompting Australia to play an extra spinner. The last few season though has seen the SCG produce draws. Batting first still remains a better option as it will help extract any wear on offer in the track.

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head

Played- 100 | Australia -54 | South Africa – 26 | Draw- 20 | Tie- 0

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI

David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Renshaw/ Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon

South Africa Playing XI

Dean Elgar, Sarel Erwee, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi

AUS vs SA Key Players

Josh Hazlewood

The last year and a half has not been the best for Josh Hazlewood, the Test Cricketer. As a bowler in Test Cricket he is up there with Starc and Cummins. Injuries and the rise of Boland though are forcing Hazlewood onto the sidelines. He now gets a chance back in the eleven again, and will be eager to ensure he stays in the eleven even when Australia head to India in a month.

Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje was the only South African to provide some spark in the previous game. He has the pace for Australian tracks and the pace worked well as he bounced some Australians onto the back foot. With consistent spells in the 150kph mark, Anrich Nortje is turning the heat up, but will want some more support as the bowlers are the ones who need to carry South Africa, who are not doing great with the bat.

See Also: Virat Kohli Re-Announces Himself as the Chase Master – Cricket Winner

AUS vs SA Match Tips

South Africa won their last two Test series in Australia but both were a long way behind. They are still a pretty good side, but the Australian team is always tough to face at home and with Marnus Labuschagne going really well South Africa have their worth cut out.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match