South Africa beat Australia to qualify for U19WC 2025 decider
The Proteas through to the final of the Women's Under 19 T20 World Cup following an excellent victory over Australia in Malaysia on Friday.
WATCH: The moment South Africa qualified for the final
The moment South Africa secured their place in the final | U19WC2025
South Africa have qualified for their first ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup 2025 decider following an impressive five-wicket triumph over Australia in the first semi-final in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The Proteas excelled with the ball on the back of Ashleigh van Wyk's four-wicket haul and were on song in the field as they restricted Australia to just 105/8 and cruised past that target with 11 deliveries remaining courtesy of some excellent batting from Jemma Botha (34) and Kayla Reyneke (26).
South Africa seal tickets to Final | Match Highlights | U19WC 2025
The win sees South Africa maintain their unbeaten status at the tournament and sees them qualify for Sunday's final against either India or England.
The Proteas held on to a trio of difficult chances in the field, with some late hitting from Ella Briscoe (27*) helping the Aussies reach three figures after they won the toss and elected to bat first at Bayuemas Oval.
Ashleigh van Wyk's brilliant bowling performance | POTM Highlights | U19WC2025
Nthabiseng Nini set the ball rolling for South Africa by dismissing the dangerous Ines Mckeon with the opening ball of the match, with van Wyk (4/17) getting in on the act at the death courtesy of some help in the field.
Seshnie Naidu held on to a tough return catch to dismiss Eleanor Larosa for just seven, before Luyanda Nzuza produced a similar feat in the field to send Hasrat Gill packing as the Aussies crawled to 62/5 with a little more than five overs remaining.
WATCH: Botha clears the rope with a massive six
Jemma Botha smashes a sublime six | U19WC2025
Caoimhe Bray (36) and Briscoe increased the run rate from that point on, but their total just north of 100 seemed a bit light on given South Africa's strong batting line-up.
Chloe Ainsworth (1/19) bowled Simone Lourens (five) with the first delivery of the third over to give Australia some hope, but Botha remained at the crease and seemed intent on keeping the run rate high as the Proteas maintained control of the contest.
WATCH: Ainsworth in-swinger cleans up Lourens
Ainsworth in-swinger too much for Simone Lourens to handle | U19WC 2025
The loss of Fay Cowling (seven) and Botha did little to quell the run rate, with Reyneke and Karabo Meso (19) combining to take South Africa within sight of victory.
The pair fell in quick succession, but Mieke van Voorst (8**)* and Naidu (2) joined forces to ensure there was no late slip up as the Proteas eased into the title decider.
Seshnie Naidu holds on to a stunning return catch