Women’s T20 World Cup: South Africa stun defending champions Australia to reach final

A brilliant batting display by South Africa, led by opener Anneke Bosch’s unbeaten 74*, powered the Proteas into the Women’s T20 World Cup final, knocking out defending champions Australia on Thursday. The final will take place in Dubai on Sunday.

The semifinal was a repeat of the last summit clash in South Africa, but this time the result was different. The Proteas exacted revenge for their previous defeat at home, where Australia won by 19 runs to lift their sixth title.

This marks the first time in the 15-year history of the competition that the ‘Women in Yellow’ have not reached the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

In the semifinal, South Africa restricted Australia to 134/5 in their first innings. Under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, South Africa’s top order delivered a strong batting display, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt (42 from 37) setting the tone alongside opening partner Tazim Brits (15 from 15).

However, it was Bosch who truly dismantled the Australian bowling attack, smashing 74* off 48 balls to keep South Africa well ahead of the required run rate. Even after Wolvaardt’s dismissal, with 15 runs still needed, there were no signs of panic. Bosch fittingly hit the winning runs, sparking celebrations among the South African contingent.

Earlier, after opting to bowl first, South Africa got off to an excellent start, reducing Australia to 18/2 early in the innings. Despite this, Beth Mooney and stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath (27) rebuilt Australia’s innings. Late contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (16* from 9) and Ellyse Perry (31 from 23) ensured Australia had a respectable total to defend.

Ayabonga Khaka was the standout bowler for South Africa, with figures of 2/24, while Marizanne Kapp impressed with 1/24 and an inspired piece of fielding to dismiss Mooney.

South Africa’s inspired performance carried into their chase, as they pulled off a famous upset to advance to the final.

In Australia’s innings, Grace Harris, opening in place of the injured Alyssa Healy, was caught by Anneke Bosch off Khaka’s first delivery for just 3 runs. Georgia Wareham, batting at number three, couldn’t withstand South Africa’s potent new-ball attack and edged behind for 5 (9) off Marizanne Kapp.

Australia rebuilt through Mooney and McGrath, reaching 35/2 at the end of the powerplay and 53/2 by the drinks break. The pair added 50 runs before Nonkululeko Mlaba, South Africa’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, removed McGrath (27 from 33) with a mis-hit that landed in Annerie Dercksen’s hands.

Mooney’s anchoring knock of 44 from 42 balls came to an end just as Australia looked to accelerate in the death overs. A brilliant piece of fielding from Kapp on her own bowling ran her out. Late cameos from Perry and Litchfield added some gloss to Australia’s total, but South Africa were left needing 135 for victory.

Brief Scores:
Australia 134/5 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 44, Ellyse Perry 31, Ayabonga Khaka 2/24)
South Africa 135/2 in 17.2 overs (Anneke Bosch 74*, Laura Wolvaardt 42, Annabel Sutherland 2/26).