Anneke Bosch’s unbeaten 74 off 48 balls* powered South Africa into the Women’s T20 World Cup Final, eliminating defending champions Australia in a thrilling semi-final on Thursday.
The Proteas chased down a target of 135, reaching 135/2 in 17.2 overs, to secure a spot in the final, which will be held in Dubai on Sunday.
The semi-final clash was a rematch of the previous T20 World Cup final in South Africa, where Australia emerged victorious by 19 runs to lift their sixth title. However, this time the Proteas took sweet revenge, clinching a historic win that prevented the ‘Women in Yellow’ from reaching the final for the first time in the tournament’s 15-year history.
After restricting Australia to 134/5 in the first innings, South Africa’s top order took charge under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (42 off 37) and Tazmin Brits (15 off 15) provided a solid foundation, but it was Bosch who took the game away from the Aussies with her powerful hitting. She kept the scoreboard ticking and maintained a strong run rate, ensuring South Africa stayed ahead in the chase.
Even after Wolvaardt’s departure, with 15 runs still needed, Bosch’s composed batting saw the Proteas home as she fittingly hit the winning runs to trigger celebrations among the South African team.
Earlier, having opted to bowl first, South Africa’s bowlers made a strong start, reducing Australia to 18/2. Grace Harris, opening in place of the injured Alyssa Healy, was dismissed for just 3, caught superbly by Bosch off Ayabonga Khaka’s first delivery. Georgia Wareham, promoted to number three, also fell early, leaving the defending champions in trouble.
A crucial partnership between Beth Mooney (44 off 42) and stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath (27 off 33) helped stabilize the innings, with the pair adding 50 runs together. But Nonkululeko Mlaba, South Africa’s leading wicket-taker of the tournament, broke the stand by dismissing McGrath. Mooney’s knock ended just as Australia looked to accelerate in the death overs, with an inspired run-out by Marizanne Kapp.
Late contributions from Ellyse Perry (31 off 23) and Phoebe Litchfield (16* off 9) provided a competitive total for Australia, but the Proteas bowlers, led by Khaka’s 2/24 and Kapp’s tight spell of 1/24, ensured the target remained manageable.
South Africa’s pursuit of 135 was never truly in doubt, thanks to Bosch’s brilliant innings. Her composed stroke play and aggressive hitting dismantled the Australian bowling attack, while Wolvaardt’s support at the other end kept the chase on track. Annabel Sutherland’s 2/26 provided brief moments of hope for Australia, but Bosch’s heroics sealed a memorable victory.
The Proteas’ win sets up a thrilling final in Dubai, as they look to claim their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title. For Australia, the loss marks a rare disappointment in a tournament they have dominated for years.
Brief Scores:
Australia: 134/5 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 44, Ellyse Perry 31, Ayabonga Khaka 2/24)
South Africa: 135/2 in 17.2 overs (Anneke Bosch 74*, Laura Wolvaardt 42, Annabel Sutherland 2/26)
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