South Africa Women Beat Australia Women: Australia Women's juggernaut in the ICC Women's T20 World Cups has come to a stunning end, as South Africa Women have accomplished the unthinkable by knocking the reigning champions out of the competition, thereby, ending their 15-match unbeaten streak in the T20 World Cups.
The Proteas Women have registered a thumping 8-wicket win over the 6-time champions, and this win is a clear statement of their intent and determination towards lifting the country's first-ever ICC trophy in both Men's and Women's senior cricket.
South Africa Women will now await the winner of New Zealand Women Vs West Indies Women fixture, as Semi-final 2 will take place on Friday, October 18.
Australia Women Vs South Africa Women, Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Final 1 | As It Happened
Electing to bowl first, South Africa Women lived up to their decision, as they handed Australia Women early jitters with quick dismissals of Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham. The move of sending the latter up the order has backfired constantly throughout the tournament, and once again, Beth Mooney and skipper Tahila McGrath had the task of stabilising the sinking ship.
Apart from Beth Mooney, no other batter managed to touch the 40-run mark, as South Africa Women did exceptionally well to restrict Australia Women to 134/5 in their 20 overs.
The Proteas began their chase on the front foot, as they did not let Australian bowlers get in the rhythm. Skipper Laura Woolvardt and Anneke Bosch formed a crucial partnership of 96 off 65, but it was the latter who remained unbeaten, as her knock of 74 off 48 included 8 fours and 1 six, resulting in Proteas finishing their chase in 17.2 overs.