By Deepak Sharma (Indian Correspondent)
E-mail: spacewalker008@gmail.com
Dubai, UAE (17-10-2024): A stellar unbeaten 74 from Anneke Bosch propelled South Africa to a commanding eight-wicket win over Australia, ending the defending champions’ three-title streak and securing the Proteas a place in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
Australia, opting to bat first, posted 134/5, with Beth Mooney leading the way with 44 runs. However, a disciplined South African bowling attack, led by Ayabonga Khaka (2/24) and Marizanne Kapp (1/24 and a run-out), kept the Australians in check, especially during the powerplay. A late 31-run burst in the final three overs gave Australia a competitive total, but it wasn’t enough to halt a dominant South African chase.
In response, South Africa’s 96-run partnership between Bosch and Laura Wolvaardt (42) for the second wicket put the Proteas firmly in control. Wolvaardt fell just short of a half-century, but Bosch’s composed 48-ball 74 ensured South Africa chased down the target with 16 balls to spare.
South Africa’s victory comes as sweet revenge, having been defeated by Australia in last year’s final on home soil. They now progress to their second consecutive T20 World Cup final, where they will face the winner of the West Indies and New Zealand clash.
Australia’s Innings: After winning the toss, South Africa elected to bowl, and their decision paid immediate dividends. Ayabonga Khaka struck with her first delivery, dismissing Grace Harris for just 3 in the second over. Australia found themselves in deeper trouble when Georgia Wareham edged Kapp behind for five, leaving the champions at a precarious 18/2 after just three overs.
Skipper Tahlia McGrath joined Beth Mooney at the crease, and together, they steadied the innings with a 50-run partnership, but boundaries remained elusive. McGrath’s knock ended on 27 after mistiming a slower ball from Nonkululeko Mlaba. Despite this, Australia’s innings crawled to 50 by the 10th over — their lowest powerplay score of the tournament.
Ellyse Perry’s arrival at the crease provided some momentum, but the dismissal of Mooney, run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Kapp, stifled Australia’s hopes of a big finish. Phoebe Litchfield injected some life into the tail-end of the innings, but Perry’s dropped catch and subsequent boundary were the only notable late fireworks as Australia closed on 134/5.
South Africa’s Innings: Chasing a target of 135, South Africa started cautiously, but Tamzin Brits broke the shackles with two quick boundaries. She hammered Ashleigh Gardner for a six before being bowled by Annabel Sutherland for 15, leaving South Africa at 25/1.
Enter Anneke Bosch. Partnering with captain Laura Wolvaardt, Bosch took control of the chase, with both batters mixing aggression with sensible strike rotation. A spectacular six from Wolvaardt off Darcie Brown signaled South Africa’s intent, and by the halfway stage, the Proteas were 74/1, needing just 61 from the final 60 balls.
Bosch, in particular, went into overdrive, smashing Georgia Wareham for consecutive boundaries in the 12th over to all but confirm South Africa’s victory. She reached her half-century off 31 balls, with Australia struggling to contain her fluid stroke play.
Though Wolvaardt eventually fell for 42, Bosch remained calm and collected, guiding South Africa to the target with 16 balls to spare, sealing the semi-final win in style.
Match Summary
Australia: 134/5 from 20 overs (Beth Mooney 44, Ellyse Perry 31; Ayabonga Khaka 2/24, Marizanne Kapp 1/24)
South Africa: 135/2 from 17.2 overs (Anneke Bosch 74*, Laura Wolvaardt 42; Annabel Sutherland 2/26)
Result: South Africa won by eight wickets
