South Africa’s women’s cricket team has reached the final of the T20 World Cup after a convincing eight-wicket victory over Australia in the semi-final on Thursday.
The Proteas, who lost to Australia in the final of the previous edition of the tournament, avenged that defeat with a dominant performance in Cape Town.
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to field first. Australia’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost Grace Harris and Georgia Wareham cheaply. Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath then steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership, but McGrath was dismissed for 27 by Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Ellyse Perry came to the crease in the 13th over and played a crucial role in helping Australia reach a respectable total of 134 for 5. Mooney top-scored for Australia with 44 off 42 balls.
In reply, South Africa got off to a solid start with Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits putting on 41 for the first wicket. Wolvaardt was dismissed for 42 off 37 balls, but Anneke Bosch took over the mantle and played a superb innings of 74 not out off 48 balls to guide her team to victory.
Bosch hit nine fours and two sixes in her match-winning knock, and she was ably supported by Chloe Tryon, who made 25 not out off 18 balls.
South Africa reached their target with 16 balls to spare, setting up a final clash with either England or India.
