A brilliant unbeaten 74 from Anneke Bosch fired South Africa into the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 and ended Australia’s reign after three successive titles.
A fine bowling display from the Proteas restricted the defending champions to 134 for five, Beth Mooney top-scoring with 44. Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp were the star bowlers for South Africa, Khaka taking two for 24, while Kapp finished her four overs with figures of one for 24, as well as the run-out of Mooney.
Thanks to 31 runs from the last three overs, Australia’s total looked competitive, but a 96-run stand between Bosch and Laura Wolvaardt (42) for the second wicket soon had South Africa in total control.
While Wolvaardt departed, Bosch made sure there was no late wobble, seeing out the eight-wicket victory for the Proteas.
So, a year on from being denied in the final on home soil by Australia, South Africa exacted their revenge to secure their place at the big dance for the second tournament running, where they will take on the winner of West Indies v New Zealand.
Highlights
*Australia v South Africa, Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, UAE
*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 not out, Laura Wolvaardt 42; Annabel Sutherland 2/26)
*Result: South Africa win by eight wickets
