LIVE: South Africa chasing 135 against Australia in first semi-final
Updates as South Africa face Australia in the first semi-final at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai.
South Africa require 135 after Beth Mooney’s 44 and some inspired death-over hitting boosted Australia to a competitive 134/5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Having opted to bowl first, the Proteas made an excellent start, forcing Australia to take their time in a rebuild from 18/2.
But Mooney, along with skipper Tahlia McGrath (27), laid a platform for the defending champions. And some excellent contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (16* from 9) and Ellyse Perry (31 from 23) gave Australia’s bowlers something sizeable to defend.
Ayabonga Khaka had the pick of the figures with her 2/24, while Marizanne Kapp also impressed, taking 1/24 and producing an inspired piece of fielding to remove Mooney.
The winner will face either New Zealand or West Indies in Sunday’s showpiece in Dubai.
The story of the first innings
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to field against Australia in Dubai. And the decision was vindicated by a superb start, as Australia lost two early wickets.
WATCH: A sharp catch from Anneke Bosch gets early breakthrough | SF 1 | WT20WC 2024
Grace Harris, opening in place of the injured Alyssa Healy, was superbly caught by Anneke Bosch of Ayabonga Khaka’s first delivery for 3 (from 5 balls).
And Georgia Wareham, up at number three, wasn't able to survive against the Proteas’ potent new-ball duo, edging behind for 5 (9) off Marizanne Kapp.
WATCH: Wareham caught fishing outside off soon after scoring a four | SF 1 | WT20WC 2024
Australia rebuilt through Beth Mooney and stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath, reaching 35/2 at the end of the powerplay, and progressing to 53/2 by drinks.
WATCH: Skipper McGrath rebuilds for Australia | SF 1 | WT20WC 2024
Skipper McGrath rebuilds for Australia | SF 1 | WT20WC 2024
The pair put on 50 runs before South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at the tournament, Nonkululeko Mlaba, struck once again, luring McGrath (27 from 33) into a mis-hit that looped to Annerie Dercksen.
Mooney’s magnificent anchoring knock of 44 from 42 deliveries came to an end just as Australia looked to up the ante in the death overs, with the opener run out off her own bowling by Kapp in an inspired piece of fielding.
Earlier, Australian fans had been boosted by the sight of squad captain Alyssa Healy arriving at the ground without crutches and moon boot, having missed the final group game against India.
However, Healy was subsequently declared unavailable and was not included in the XI, with Australia unchanged.
The Teams
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chole Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka
Australia: Beth Mooney (wk), Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
The knockout matches at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will be held in the two host cities of Dubai and Sharjah.
Fans can purchase tickets for the knockout matches online or directly at the stadiums, for more information on where to buy click here.
Whatever It Takes | The Official Event Song | WT20WC 2024
