The UAE is currently hosting the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. On October 17, at 7 PM IST, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium hosted a high-stakes semi-final between the defending champions, Australia, and South Africa. South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Australia's opening pair of Grace Harris and wicketkeeper Beth Mooney started the innings, but South Africa gained an early lead when Ayabonga Khaka dismissed Harris for just 3 runs off 5 balls with her opening delivery. This was followed by the arrival of Georgia Wareham, who looked to make an impact, but she was caught out by Sinalo Jafta off the bowling of Marizanne Kapp for 5 runs from 9 balls.
Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath eventually stabilized the Australian batting with a 50-run partnership. However, this was broken when Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed McGrath for 27 off 33 balls. Shortly after, Marizanne Kapp managed to run out Mooney, who finished with 44 off 42. Ellyse Perry then entered the fray with an attacking style, scoring a fast 31 off 23, only to be dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka on the final ball. Phoebe Litchfield added a final 16 runs from 9 deliveries to the total.
Ultimately, Australia struggled to build a massive total, finishing at 134-5 after 20 overs. Ayabonga Khaka was the standout bowler with two wickets, while Kapp and Mlaba claimed one each. In response, South Africa's openers, Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, started cautiously. However, before the powerplay ended, Annabel Sutherland broke through to dismiss Brits for 15 off 15 balls.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt played a pivotal anchoring role, providing the stability South Africa needed. She was joined by Anneke Bose, who took a much more aggressive approach to disrupt the Australian bowlers. Together, they forged a dominant 96-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively sealing the game. Wolvaardt eventually fell to Annabel Sutherland for 42 off 37 balls, a knock that included three fours and a six.
Anneke Bose remained unbeaten, delivering a brilliant performance of 74* off 48 balls, featuring eight fours and a six. South Africa reached the target of 135-2 in just 17.2 overs, winning by 8 wickets. This victory marked a historic milestone as South Africa's first-ever win against Australia in a Women's T20 World Cup. It also marks their second consecutive appearance in the final, having reached the championship match in 2023, where they unfortunately lost to Australia.
This defeat marks the first time in 15 years that defending champions Australia have been knocked out before the final, a feat last seen in 2009. Since then, Australia had dominated women's cricket, consistently reaching the finals and winning six titles. However, South Africa has now broken that streak, securing their place in the final with a convincing win.