Dubai (UAE):South Africa produced yet another clinical performance to stun six-time champions Australia by eight wickets and qualify for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 final here on Thursday, October 18, 2024. This win also marked as South Africa first-ever victory over Australia in the T20 World Cup history.
The Proteas, who suffered a defeat from the 2023 T20 World Cup semi-final, took their revenge in the next edition as they emerge triumphant by eight wickets. Previously, Australia won by 19 runs to lift their sixth title in 2023 edition. Notably, this is the first-time in last 15 years and after the inaugural edition that Australia haven't qualified for the summit clash.
Interestingly, this defeat was Australia's only third defeat in the history of the T20 World Cup.
Australia Women’s defeats in Women’s T20 WC knockouts
By 8 wickets vs ENG-W, The Oval, 2009 SF
By 8 wickets vs WI-W, Kolkata, 2016 Final
By 8 wickets vs SA-W, Dubai, 2024 SF
Winning the toss, South Africa opted to bowl first and restricted the Kangaroos to a modest total of 134 for five as top-ranked ICC T20I batter Beth Mooney scored 44 runs off 42 balls in the first semifinal. Ayabonga Khaka (2/24) was the most successful bowler for the Proteas, even as others chipped in nicely.
South Africa completed the task with 16 balls to spare and Anneke Bosch led the way with a scintillating knock of 74 not out in 48 balls. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt contributed a 37-ball 42 at the top of the order. Bosch’s unbeaten 74 is also the highest individual score at the Women’s T20 WC 2024 so far. The 96-run stand between Bosch and Wolvaardt was their highest for any wicket against Australia in T20Is.
Australia Women’s streak of 15 consecutive wins in the Women’s T20 World Cup has been broken, no other team has won more than seven back-to-back games in the competition’s history.