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South Africa beat the mighty Australian team comfortably by eight wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday (October 17). The Dubai International Cricket Stadium hosted the contest.
After being asked to bat first, Australia scored 134/5 in 20 overs on the back of contributions from Beth Mooney (44), Ellyse Perry (31), Tahlia McGrath (27), and Phoebe Litchfield (16*). Ayabonga Khaka scalped two wickets for South Africa in the bowling department.
Australia pacer Annabel Sutherland then cleaned up Tazmin Brits (15) in the fifth over after the opposition openers had added 25 runs together. Anneke Bosch walked in at number 3 position and changed the complexion of the chase with an aggressive half-century. En route to 74* (48), Bosch smashed eight fours and a six to power her side to a comfortable victory. Laura Wolvaardt (42) played an ideal foil to her with a 96-run match-winning partnership for the second wicket.
Bosch finished the match in style with a four in the 18th over to ring in celebrations in the South African camp. It was their first-ever victory against Australia in T20 World Cup.
You can watch the winning moment in the video below:
You can also watch the celebrations by the players and support staff members in the videos below:
"One of the best wins in my cricketing career"- South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt after victory vs Australia in the semi-final of ICC Womens T20 World Cup 2024
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt opened up that it was one of the best wins of her career. Reflecting on the memorable victory, Wolvaardt said:
"I think this win is right up there. One of the best wins in my cricketing career. Anneke batted exceptionally well and so did the bowlers. I think it's been a good year for us. It's been a collective good effort. Looking at ways finding the weakness and glad some of the plans worked tonight."
She continued:
"I think we didn't have the best two overs at the start. Me and Tazmin had a chat that we need to get ahead of the game and then Anneke took it forward and played a blinder. One of the best of Anneke's career and what a time to bring it up. Both West Indies and New Zealand are destructive. West Indies a bit more now but you can't take any team lightly. Good crowd here in Dubai."
West Indies and New Zealand will square off in the second semi-final on Friday (October 18) in Sharjah. South Africa will face the winner of that contest in the final of the World Cup on Sunday (October 20) in Dubai.
