Australia Women vs South Africa Women, 1st Semi Final ICC Women's T20 World Cup, 2024

In a monumental day for women's cricket, South Africa achieved what was once thought impossible — they toppled the all-conquering Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. This victory, South Africa’s first-ever against Australia in a T20 World Cup, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, marking the end of Australia’s long-standing dominance in the competition.

Since 2009, Australia had won six of the seven T20 World Cups and only lost once, in the final. To put South Africa’s achievement in perspective: this is a team that had never beaten Australia in a World Cup match, across any format. Yet today, they walked into the Dubai International Stadium with belief, and walked out having written themselves into the annals of cricket history.

Bosch and Wolvaardt Lead the Chase

Chasing a modest 135, South Africa made the most of the opportunity, finishing the match with 16 balls to spare. The highlight of their innings was the crucial 96-run partnership between Anneke Bosch and captain Laura Wolvaardt for the second wicket. Their stand was not only South Africa’s highest for any wicket against Australia in T20Is, but it was also the defining factor in this historic win.

After losing Tazmin Brits (15 off 15) early, Wolvaardt and Bosch displayed a masterclass in pacing the chase. They combined intent with elegance, dismantling Australia's bowling attack, one of the most feared units in the world. Bosch, in particular, was sublime, playing the innings of her life. Her unbeaten 74 off 48 balls, studded with 11 boundaries, ensured Australia had no chance of a comeback. Wolvaardt, who scored 42 off 37, departed just before the finish line, but by then, the result was a foregone conclusion.

The Fall of a Dynasty

Australia’s innings never really got going. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, South Africa bowled with discipline and heart, restricting Australia to 134-5 in 20 overs. None of Australia’s batters could make a telling contribution, with only Beth Mooney (44 off 42) and Phoebe Litchfield (16* off 9) managing to up the scoring tempo.

Grace Harris fell for just 3, Georgia Wareham managed 5, and captain Tahlia McGrath's 27 off 33 was slow by her usual standards. Ellyse Perry tried to counter with 31 off 23, but by the time she was dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka in the final over, Australia’s hopes of posting a big total had diminished.

South Africa’s bowlers were brilliant, particularly Ayabonga Khaka, who finished with 2-24, and Marizanne Kapp, who picked up 1-24. Nonkululeko Mlaba’s spell (4-0-31-1) was another crucial cog in South Africa’s plan, keeping the pressure on Australia’s middle-order.

Emotional Scenes as History is Made

As the final moments of the match unfolded, emotions ran high. Bosch fittingly hit the winning boundary off Megan Schutt to seal the eight-wicket victory, and the South African players erupted into celebration. Mlaba was seen in tears, enveloped in a long, emotional hug from captain Wolvaardt, as they soaked in the magnitude of the occasion. It was a moment of sheer ecstasy for the Proteas, a team that had for so long played second fiddle to Australia.

For Australia, the glum faces of Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney on the sidelines told the story of a cricketing dynasty momentarily brought to its knees.

Looking Ahead

South Africa’s win is not just a major milestone for their team, but a significant moment for women’s cricket globally. They will now march into the final brimming with confidence, knowing they have slain one of the giants of the game. For Australia, this is a bitter pill to swallow as they come to terms with an uncharacteristic early exit.

This day will forever be etched in South African cricket folklore — a day when they knocked the mighty Australians out of the T20 World Cup and announced themselves as serious contenders for the title. The final awaits, and South Africa will be ready

Australia Women Innings:
134-5 (20 overs)

• Beth Mooney 44 (42)
• Ellyse Perry 31 (23)
• Ayabonga Khaka 2-24 (4 overs)
• Marizanne Kapp 1-24 (4 overs)

South Africa Women Innings:
135-2 (17.2 overs)

• Anneke Bosch 74* (48)
• Laura Wolvaardt 42 (37)
• Annabel Sutherland 2-26 (4 overs)

Result: South Africa Women won by 8 wickets