South Africa (Commonwealth) _ South Africa shocked the reigning champions Australia in Dubai with an incredible performance, guaranteeing their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final on Sunday.
After a rather lackluster innings in which South Africa’s bowlers cleverly held Australia to 134-5, the beautifully accomplished run chase ensued. Before opener Beth Mooney dropped anchor with 44 from 42 balls, Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham were out early in the powerplay. Tahlia McGrath, the captain, plodded to 27 from 33 as Australia struggled in the middle overs, rarely surpassing a run per ball.
The West Indies defeated England on Wednesday, and although Ellyse Perry’s 31 from 23 and Phoebe Litchfield’s nine-ball 16 provided a late surge, the score felt below standard on a pitch that favored chasing.
Tazmin Brits’ departure for 15 set the foundation for the incredible match-winning pair, but South Africa began the chase with a commanding powerplay of 43-1, easily ahead of Australia’s 35-2 at the same point. In her match-winning effort, Bosch, whose previous tournament high score was 25, hit eight fours and a six.
Following the 2023 domestic tournament, the South African selectors’ faith in her, which kept her at number three, paid off as they advanced to their second consecutive final.
With the second semi-final between New Zealand and the West Indies scheduled for Friday in Sharjah, the final on Sunday will be the first in any white-ball format without Australia or England participating.
Australia, the six-time winners of this competition, did not exhibit the typical swagger and assurance after being put in to bat. They only hit a total of 11 boundaries, demonstrating their timidity. That is in spite of their remarkable batting depth, which frequently allows them to play with far greater freedom than other teams that typically shield vulnerable, inexperienced middle orders.
With players like Perry, Litchfield, McGrath, and Ash Gardner to follow, Harris and Wareham’s early exits did not seem particularly concerning, but with every over that went by without an acceleration, there was a feeling that such a kickstart would never materialize.
Being five wickets behind felt like a huge waste in the end, especially as Annabel Sutherland and the destructive Gardner were still in the dugout. And because South Africa’s innings were a total contrast, they were penalized for being so cautious.
With her signature gorgeous cover drives, Wolvaardt timed the ball flawlessly right from the start, but Bosch’s knock was spectacular. In the group stage against England, the 31-year-old struggled to score 18 runs from 26 balls and appeared unprepared at three. However, she struck the ball with an unprecedented force and clarity against the world’s most formidable force.
Under extreme pressure and against a formidable opponent, Marizanne Kapp achieved the highest individual score yet. South Africa won so easily that Marizanne Kapp didn’t even need to bat.
Bosch didn’t even give Australia a chance, so they didn’t do anything wrong with the ball. However, they will regret not being more ambitious with the bat, as they let South Africa get closer to winning their first world championship.
“It is a really great thing that none of Australia, England, or India are left in the tournament,” said England bowler Tash Farrant on a BBC Test Match Special. With the domestic structures beneath those three teams, some were worried that the distance would widen. However, in World Cup cricket, it basically comes down to who shows up on matchday.
Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa: “It is undoubtedly the biggest victory of my career and right up there with one of our greatest victories ever. We’ve had such a successful year thanks to a true team effort.Anneke [Bosch] had one of her best innings ever, batting brilliantly and doing her duty flawlessly.
Tahlia McGrath, Australia’s acting captain: “It’s difficult to accept. We didn’t turn up tonight; in competitions like these, it’s not affordable. Well done, South Africa. We had been thinking about this World Cup for a while, and although we were well prepared, we failed to turn up on the night.
