South Africa’s Anneke Bosch shone brightly as the team crushed favourites Australia, securing an eight-wicket victory and a spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup final. Bosch’s outstanding unbeaten 74 runs propelled South Africa towards the final, where they will face off against either New Zealand or West Indies on Sunday.
In a match held in Dubai, despite Australia’s opener Beth Mooney scoring 44 runs, their total of 134 for five seemed attainable for South Africa. The slow Dubai pitch did not deter South Africa, as they aimed to avenge their defeat in the 2023 final against the same opponents on home soil.
During the powerplay, Tazmin Brits fell for 15 runs, but Bosch and Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt took charge of the game. Wolvaardt contributed a quick 42 runs, including a massive six over deep midwicket, to shift the momentum in South Africa’s favour. Bosch’s explosive batting, which included eight boundaries in her 48-ball innings, guided South Africa to a remarkable victory with 16 balls remaining. Annabel Sutherland managed to take two wickets for Australia.
Australia, who had clinched the previous three T20 World Cups, faced setbacks early on in their innings. Openers Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham fell quickly, but Mooney and stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath rebuilt the innings with a 50-run partnership. However, a run out by Marizanne Kapp in the 17th over, after Mooney’s bat was found to be the wrong way up as she dived back into the crease, disrupted Australia’s flow.
Phoebe Litchfield’s unbeaten 16 and Ellyse Perry’s 31 runs before being caught off the final ball of the innings lifted Australia to a total of 134 for five. Ayabonga Khaka emerged as South Africa’s standout bowler, claiming two wickets for 24 runs.
In the upcoming semi-final clash in Sharjah, New Zealand will face West Indies, with West Indies sending England home after a victory in their last group match.
Stay tuned for the thrilling final match as South Africa looks to clinch the Women’s T20 World Cup title in a showdown against either New Zealand or West Indies.