South Africa pulled off a stunning Women’s T20 World Cup upset, ruthlessly knocking out defending champions and six-time winners Australia to reach Sunday’s final.
The Proteas had lost all seven of their previous matches against Australia in this competition, including the 2023 final in Cape Town, but ended their opponents’ hopes of a fourth straight title with an eight-wicket victory.
Anneke Bosch bashed 74no from 48 balls, including the winning four, and skipper Laura Wolvaardt 42 off 37 as South Africa raced to their target of 135 with 16 balls to spare in Dubai, securing a showdown with either West Indies or New Zealand at the same venue.
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Australia – still without captain Alyssa Healy after she injured her foot in the drubbing of Pakistan on October 11 – posted 134-5 after being inserted; Beth Mooney (44 off 42) top-scoring and becoming the fastest player to 3,000 T20 international runs.
The tournament favourites perhaps missed Healy’s guidance in the field as South Africa made light work of the chase – Bosch and Wolvaardt drumming 96 from 65 deliveries for the second wicket – and ensured that, for the first time, a Women’s T20 World Cup final will not feature at least one of Australia and England.
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More to follow.
What’s next?
West Indies play New Zealand in the second semi-final on Friday, in Sharjah, with coverage beginning at 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event ahead of the first ball at 3pm.
Dubai will then stage the final on Sunday, with the game starting at 3pm. Build-up starts at 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket.
