Sport

South Africa upset Australia at T20 Cricket World Cup

06:49 am on 18 October 2024

South Africa's Anneke Bosch (L) and Chloe Tryon celebrate their win at the end of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup cricket semi-final match against Australia, 2024. Photo: GIUSEPPE CACACE AFP

The South African cricketers have qualified for their second successive women's T20 World Cup final after upsetting Australia.

The Proteas beat Australia for the first time at a World Cup with an eight wicket win in their semi-final in Dubai.

The defending champion Australians were hot favourites for their seventh title after riding a winning streak of 17 games.

After being put into bat Australia scored 134 for five with Beth Mooney top scoring with 44.

In reply South Africa strolled to their target in 17.2 overs with Anneke Bosch unbeaten on 74 and Laura Wolvaardt making 42.

Captain Wolvaardt was stunned after their win.

"This is one of the best wins of my career, I'm glad some of the plans worked today, our bowlers did excellently to restrict them," Wolvaardt told World Cricket afterwards.

Australia captain Tahlia McGrath admits her side didn't turn up today and didn't score as many as they should have.

"South Africa bowled really well, they bowled stump line and took the pace off nicely.

"(In reply) South Africa made it look like a totally different wicket, they batted really well."

Bosch was named player of the match with her knock of 74 included 8 fours and 1 six.

New Zealand play West Indies in their semi-final in Sharjah on Saturday.

The final is in Dubai on Monday.