In a stunning turn of events at the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, the mighty Australian women’s cricket team has been dethroned by an inspired South African side. The Proteas, led by a masterful unbeaten 74 from Anneke Bosch, chased down Australia’s total of 134 with eight wickets and 16 balls to spare, sending shockwaves through the cricketing world.
Bosch, Wolvaardt Shine as South Africa Stun Six-Time Champions
Australia, winners of six of the previous eight editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup, were left shell-shocked as South Africa’s batting duo of Anneke Bosch and captain Laura Wolvaardt took the game away from them. Bosch, in particular, was in scintillating form, smashing eight boundaries in her 48-ball 74*.
Anneke was simply unstoppable today. She played with such freedom and really took the game away from the Australians. It was a joy to watch her bat.
– South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt
Wolvaardt herself played a crucial supporting role, scoring a brisk 42 off just 30 balls, including a massive six over deep midwicket. The pair’s 119-run partnership for the second wicket effectively sealed the game for South Africa.
Australia’s Batting Struggles on Slow Dubai Track
Earlier, Australia struggled to come to grips with what appeared to be a slow Dubai pitch. After losing openers Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham early, Beth Mooney (44) and stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath (27) steadied the ship with a 50-run stand. However, the Proteas bowlers kept things tight, with Ayabonga Khaka the pick of the bunch, claiming 2/24 in her four overs.
A late flourish from Ellyse Perry (31) helped Australia reach 134/5, but it always seemed below par given the high standards they’ve set in this tournament over the years. As it turned out, South Africa made the chase look rather comfortable.
South Africa’s Shot at Redemption
For South Africa, this victory is especially sweet given their heartbreaking defeat to Australia in last year’s final on home soil. With this win, they have not only avenged that loss but also given themselves a golden opportunity to claim their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.
- South Africa lost the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup final to Australia
- They have never won the Women’s T20 World Cup
- This is their second consecutive appearance in the final
The Proteas will now await the winner of the second semi-final between New Zealand and West Indies. Regardless of their opposition in the final, South Africa will fancy their chances of going all the way this time around.
End of an Era for Australian Women’s Cricket?
For Australia, this defeat marks the end of an incredible era of dominance in women’s T20 cricket. They had won the last three editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup and were unbeaten in the tournament since the 2016 final. This loss will undoubtedly force them to reevaluate and rebuild as they look to the future.
Full credit to South Africa, they outplayed us today. It hurts to lose, but that’s sport. We’ll go back, regroup, and come back stronger.
– Australia stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath
As the dust settles on this incredible upset, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the Women’s T20 World Cup final. Will South Africa complete their fairytale run and claim their first-ever title, or will New Zealand or West Indies spoil their party? One thing’s for sure – after today, anything seems possible in this tournament of surprises.
