WT20WC 2024 Semi-final 1 Preview: Proteas prime for wounded Australia

Having been sat as nervous watchers as West Indies and England battled on the final day of group play, the Proteas now prime for a tough semi-final encounter, even with the Australians impeded by injuries.

Australia v South Africa

Match Centre and Scorecard

Australia v South Africa, Thursday 17 October (18:00 local), Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

While parallels to their 2023 Final meeting are rightfully made for the upcoming semi-final's narrative, the variables thrown up in Dubai and the run-ins for both teams point to a different sequence of events 18 months on.

Australia remain favourites for the final spot out of semi-final one, but it would be fair to say that multiple injuries leave the side aiming for four T20 World Cup trophies on the trot a little wounded.

The defending champions continue to sweat on captain Alyssa Healy's fitness as she battles a foot injury sustained in Australia's win over Pakistan, and remains doubtful for the semi-final clash having not practised in the build-up.

As Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney and Grace Harris take her captaincy, wicket-keeping and opening duties respectively in the line-up reshuffle, the side have also been forced into a fast bowling change with Heather Graham replacing Tayla Vlaeminck. Vlaeminck has since travelled home after dislocating her shoulder, also in the victory over Pakistan.

With Australia's unrivalled depth now their greatest weapon in their bid for T20 World Cup trophy No.7, South Africa's strength by contrast centres on key players flourishing in Dubai conditions.

Perhaps not receiving the same accolades as her batting counterparts in Proteas colours, left-arm orthodox spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba has shone in the Dubai and Sharjah spotlight, taking nine wickets in just four matches at a staggering economy of 4.62. Her work will prove invaluable to her side's campaign, especially against the powerful right-hand batting group of Harris, McGrath and Ellyse Perry among others, with potential overs from Chloé Tryon also contributing in a similar vein.

Tryon's late-over exploits with the bat could also prove crucial, though a platform set by the top of the Proteas order is paramount. Openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt with 155 and 148 runs respectively are first and fourth in the tournament tally, and Powerplay wickets from Australia's new-ball threats could expose a middle order perhaps a little green in time in the middle.

By contrast, Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch have faced just 118 balls between them with the limited opportunities, while the likes of Annerie Dercksen and Suné Luus have batted just twice at the tournament.

The winner of the semi-final will take on the winner of the West Indies/New Zealand semi-final on Friday night Dubai time.

What They Said

Australia's Ellyse Perry: “They are just as tough a competition as any other team, particularly when you're playing a World Cup semi-final. And they've got some of the best players in the world.

“So, for us, I think we're just as nervous playing them as we would be any other team and our preparation for that's got to be spot-on if we're going to be successful. But there's lots to play out there so I'm really excited for that challenge.

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: “It's easy sort of to get swept away by Australia and what they've achieved but at the end of the day, if we play a good game of cricket, I think we have the talent to beat them.

“We've shown that in the one T20 earlier this year that we did. You can see the same with England and India not qualifying for semis, who you thought would have.

Squads

Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (vc), Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Heather Graham, Georgia Wareham

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon

All 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 online or directly at the stadiums, for more information on where to buy click here.