October 18, 2024: South Africa delivered a brilliant performance to knock out defending champions Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final, securing their place in the final with a dominant 8-wicket victory.
The star of the match was opener Anneke Bosch, who played a stunning unbeaten knock of 74* from 48 balls, guiding South Africa to the win and marking their first-ever appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup final.
The semifinal, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, was a rematch of the previous final, where Australia had defeated South Africa by 19 runs to lift their sixth title. However, this time the Proteas took sweet revenge, ending Australia’s streak of reaching every final in the 15-year history of the tournament.
Coming to the match, Australia, opting to bat first, were restricted to 134/5 in their 20 overs. Their innings started shakily at 18/2, but important contributions from Beth Mooney (44 from 42 balls) and Ellyse Perry (31 from 23 balls) helped them recover. Late hitting from Phoebe Litchfield (16* from 9 balls) further pushed the total to a defendable score.
South African bowlers, led by Ayabonga Khaka (2/24) and Marizanne Kapp (1/24), bowled tightly, and a brilliant run-out by Kapp to dismiss Mooney added to Australia’s woes.
Chasing 135, South Africa’s top order got off to a solid start with skipper Laura Wolvaardt contributing 42 from 37 balls. The opening partnership with Tazim Brits (15) laid a strong foundation.
But it was Bosch’s attacking knock that shattered Australia’s hopes, as she dominated the bowling attack, maintaining a high strike rate and keeping the run rate well under control. She finished the match with a boundary, sealing the win for her team with 2.4 overs to spare.
Australia’s bowling attack struggled to contain Bosch and Wolvaardt, with Annabel Sutherland (2/26) the only bowler to take wickets. This loss marked a significant moment in the history of the competition, as it was the first time Australia, the “Women in Yellow,” failed to reach the final.
South Africa will now head into the final on Sunday in Dubai, aiming to lift their first Women’s T20 World Cup trophy after a landmark performance that stunned the cricketing world.
