South Africa stun defending champions Australia to reach final
Cricket
A brilliant batting display powered South Africa into the final
(Web Desk) - South Africa displayed a sensational performance in Dubai to thump defending champions Australia and secure a spot in Sunday’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.
A brilliant batting display powered South Africa into the T20 World Cup Final, with Anneke Bosch’s brilliant 74* knocking out the tournament favourites and sending the Proteas through to Sunday’s final in Dubai.
Having restricted Australia to 134/5 in the first innings, South Africa’s top order put on a display of hitting under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt (42 from 37) leading the way along with opening partner Tazim Brits (15 from 15).
But it was Bosch who really knocked the stuffing out of the Aussie bowling attack, scoring fast in her 74* from 48 to get her team well ahead of the rate, meaning there were few late nerves even when skipper Wolvaardt departed with 15 runs still required.
And fittingly it was Bosch who hit the winning runs, sparking jubilant scenes among the South African contingent in Dubia.
Earlier, having opted to bowl first, the Proteas made an excellent start, forcing Australia to take their time in a rebuild from 18/2.
But Mooney, along with skipper Tahlia McGrath (27), laid a platform for the defending champions. And some excellent contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (16* from 9) and Ellyse Perry (31 from 23) gave Australia’s bowlers something sizeable to defend.
Ayabonga Khaka had the pick of the figures with her 2/24, while Marizanne Kapp also impressed, taking 1/24 and producing an inspired piece of fielding to remove Mooney.
And South Africa’s inspired performances continued into the second innings, as they completed a famous upset.
