Australia’s hopes of retaining their T20 World Cup title hinge on the fitness of captain Alyssa Healy, who is battling a foot injury ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa. Healy sustained the injury during Australia’s victory over Pakistan and has been using crutches and a moon boot since.
Despite her absence from training, Australia remains optimistic about Healy’s availability for the crucial match. “We’re going to give her every opportunity and possibility of playing tomorrow night,” said Ellyse Perry, who deputized as captain in Healy’s absence.
Perry emphasized the importance of Healy’s leadership and the team’s unwavering support for her. “Midge is such an important leader in our group and is still contributing just as much,” she said.
Australia’s preparations for the semi-final were tested in their final group-stage match against India, which was played in front of a hostile pro-India crowd in Sharjah. Perry believes the experience will serve them well in the knockout stages.
“It was a situation we’ve been in before but probably hadn’t been exposed to in this World Cup so far,” she said. “I thought the way we rose to that and just adapted to the challenge was awesome.”
South Africa, meanwhile, are buoyed by their recent victory over Australia in a T20I in Canberra. Captain Laura Wolvaardt believes that win has instilled confidence in her team.
“It brings back a little bit of déjà vu, just a year ago having to face them in the final,” Wolvaardt said. “A lot has happened since then, though obviously we had the two wins against them earlier this year, so I think that just gives a bit of a positive energy in the camp.”
South Africa has also grown as a team since their World Cup final defeat last year, with the addition of allrounder Annerie Dercksen and the experience gained through a challenging year.
“It’s been a bit of an up and down year for us,” Wolvaardt said. “But I feel like we have really hit our stride in this World Cup.”
The semi-final between Australia and South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams determined to reach the final. Healy’s fitness will be a key factor, but Australia will be confident in their ability to overcome adversity and defend their title.
