SA hammer Australia to enter final
A resolute South Africa came up with a clinical performance to shock mighty Australia by eight wickets and enter the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
South Africa thus exacted revenge for their loss in the last summit clash at home, when Australia won by 19 runs to lift their sixth trophy.
Put in to bat, Australia were stopped at a modest 134/5 as Beth Mooney top-scored with a 42-ball 44 in the first semifinal. Ayabonga Khaka (2/24) was the most successful bowler for South Africa, even as others chipped in nicely. South Africa completed the task with 16 balls to spare and Anneke Bosch led the way with a scintillating knock of 74 not out off 48 balls. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt contributed a 37-ball 42 at the top of the order.
“Heart is racing. It was quite tough out there but I’m really glad we could get over the line and that I could finally contribute with some runs,” said Bosch, who was named the Player of the Match.
Captain Wolvaardt called it “one of the best wins” of her cricketing career. “It’s right up there. I think this is one of the best wins of my cricketing career for sure. A couple of other girls have said it as well. I think that was such an amazing chase. Bowlers were excellent,” she said.
Brief scores: Australia: 134/5 in 20 overs (Mooney 44, McGrath 27; Khaka 2/24); South Africa: 135/2 in 17.2 overs (Bosch 74*, Wolvaardt 42; Sutherland 2/26).
