WT20I WC : South Africa breach Australia fortress to reach final , Bosch , Wolvaardt shines


South African women has breached the Aussie fortress in a sensational result in Womens World T20I semi final beating the mighty reigning champions  by 8 wickets  with 2 overs to spare .


Australia has long dominated women's cricket. Of the eight Women's T20 World Cups held so far, they have won six. In fact, the Australian women's team has claimed the last three consecutive T20 World Cup titles. However, South Africa defeated them in the semi-final by 8 wickets, advancing to the final. This victory brings South Africa's women's team to the T20 World Cup final, following in the footsteps of their men's team.


In the semi-final, Australia batted first. Despite having a strong lineup with players like Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, and Ellyse Perry, Australia could only manage a total of 134 runs. The reigning champions lost Grace Harris cheaply to Kaka , Wareham (5) failed to force the pace was caught behind off Kapp. Mooney and McGrath tried to set up the innings but  could not force the pace . McGrath (27)was dismissed to a high catch off Mlaba . Mooney (44) after a long vigil was runout.  It was upto Elyse Perry (31) and Phoebe Litchfield (16*) to finish the innings strongly but accurate bowling by the  Proteas did not allow them much free shots. However both played well and added some important runs . 


 Although South Africa took just five wickets, their bowlers were highly effective in restricting runs. Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka ensured that Australia's batters never really took control of the game, limiting their aggressive play. As a result, despite keeping wickets in hand, Australia couldn't score big.


The target was 135 runs, a relatively modest score in 20 overs. Yet, with Australia as the opposition, South Africa still faced a tough challenge. However, South African opener Laura Wolvaardt (42) and third batter Anneke Bosch (an unbeaten 74) made the chase look easy after Tazman Brits (15) departed cheaply .

Bosch came in at 3 and played  a jaw dropping innings, smashing the ball around to score a 48 ball 74 with 8 fours and a six. She was well supported by a fluent Laura Wolvaardt who scored a 37 ball 42 and played some sparkling shots .  South Africa secured the win with 16 balls to spare.


It was unimaginable before the match that South Africa would defeat Australia, a team that had won the last three Women's T20 World Cups since 2018. The South African players celebrated with joy on the field after their remarkable victory. Bosch, named Player of the Match, sealed the win by hitting a boundary off Megan Schutt’s delivery. As the ball crossed the boundary, the rest of the South African team embraced each other in excitement, and the fans shared in their joy. On the other side, Australia's coach and players were left stunned, unable to believe they had lost to South Africa.

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