In a historic and thrilling match, South Africa delivered a stunning eight-wicket victory over Australia, securing their spot in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. This marks only the second time in history that South Africa has beaten the powerhouse Australian team, and it’s their first-ever win over Australia in a Women’s T20 World Cup. Prior to this match, the Proteas had faced seven consecutive defeats against Australia in this tournament.
This victory also means that South Africa has now reached back-to-back Women’s T20 World Cup finals, setting the stage for a potential first World Cup win for either the men’s or women’s teams from the nation.
Bosch’s Career-Best Performance
Anneke Bosch was the star of the match, playing a brilliant unbeaten knock of 74 off 48 balls. This performance places her in the top three for highest scores in successful run chases in Women’s T20 World Cup history, trailing only Sophie Devine’s innings in 2020 and Claire Taylor’s in 2009. Bosch’s score is also the third-highest by any batter against Australia in this tournament’s history.
With either New Zealand or West Indies set to face South Africa in the final, this will be the first time that a Women’s World Cup final, across both T20I and ODI formats, will not feature either Australia or England. Australia, who had been chasing their fourth consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup title and seventh overall, was left reeling after this defeat. This is the first time since the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009 that Australia has failed to reach the final, ending a streak of seven straight appearances.
Match Overview: Powerplay Struggles for Australia
South Africa’s decision to bowl first proved to be a game-changer, with Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka putting immediate pressure on Australia’s top order. Kapp, known for her ability to swing the ball both ways, and Khaka’s precision bowling saw Australia struggle to get runs. Khaka struck with her very first delivery, removing Grace Harris as Australia finished the powerplay with just 35 runs for 2 wickets, their lowest powerplay score in this T20 World Cup.
Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath attempted to stage a recovery, forming a 50-run partnership. However, the South African bowlers, particularly the spinners, kept the pressure on. Mooney, who crossed the 3000 T20I run milestone during her innings, was run out for 44, while McGrath was dismissed for 38. Australia managed a late surge with Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield adding crucial runs, but their total of 134 for 5 seemed underwhelming given the conditions.
South Africa’s Dominant Chase
South Africa’s chase was calculated and confident, with Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch forming a crucial partnership of 96 runs. While Australia tried to apply pressure early on by removing Tazmin Brits, Wolvaardt and Bosch counterattacked with boundaries, ensuring the run rate stayed within reach.
Bosch was particularly aggressive, playing innovative shots including reverse hits and using her feet to disrupt the bowlers’ lengths. She reached her fifty in style and then continued to pile on the runs. Wolvaardt contributed a steady 42 before being dismissed, but by that time, South Africa needed just 14 more runs to win. Bosch ensured there were no late dramas, finishing unbeaten on 74 and guiding her team to victory with 16 balls to spare.
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Historic Upset
This victory is monumental for South African cricket. It not only ended Australia’s dominant run in the Women’s T20 World Cup but also showcased the resilience and talent of the Proteas. With this win, South Africa is now just one match away from claiming their first-ever World Cup title, an achievement that would resonate across the cricketing world.
Scorecard:
South Africa: 135 for 2 (Bosch 74*, Wolvaardt 42, Sutherland 2-26)
Australia: 134 for 5 (Mooney 44, Perry 31, Khaka 2-24)
Result: South Africa won by eight wickets
This remarkable upset has not only put South Africa in the final but also broken several records and raised hopes for a historic World Cup victory. The cricket world will now watch closely as the Proteas prepare for their final challenge.
