South Africa’s dream of lifting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai has not been extinguished yet, after they defeated Australian defending champions by 8 wickets. The match was played on Thursday. Bosch remained unbeaten on 74 runs thus making her the player of the match.
With 16 balls left in the innings, South Africa achieved the required target comfortably due to Bosch’s 48 ball innings where she scored eight fours and a six out of a total of 135.
Bosch’s performance got a boost from skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who contributes 42 runs in a 96-run partnership for the second wicket.
The South African team was never under pressure thanks to their stable and expressive batting. Therefore, they easily booked their place in the finals.
This achievement is a big one for South African cricket as the final this time will be the only final in the history of the Women T20 World Cup that will not feature Australia or England.
The Australians, who were attempting to win their seventh ICC Women’s T20 World cup with the help of their six titles, met defeat as their relentless offensive attempts fell on a well-disciplined South Africa bowling attack which put them really on the back foot.
After electing to bat the Australians were unable to gain any momentum with the team’s best being Beth Mooney’s 44. Only two boundaries were struck by Mooney, so it came as no surprise that Australia struggled to cope against a determined South African unit and sought century and barely achieved even that.
“For South Africa, the win didn’t only mean a place in the finals but also sweet revenge. They were beaten by the Australians in the finals of last year in Cape Town and this win showed their evolution and fight.”
Beating Australia with such a considerable point must boost their confidence. They will now play against either West Indies or New Zealand, who face each other in the second semi-final on Friday, as they will look forward to the finals on Sunday to clinch their very first Women’s T20 World Cup.