Australia Stunned by South Africa in T20 World Cup Semi-Final Upset

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In a shocking turn of events, six-time champions Australia have been knocked out of the Women’s T20 World Cup after a dominant eight-wicket victory by South Africa in the semi-final in Dubai. The unexpected defeat saw South Africa chase down Australia’s total of 134-5 with 16 balls to spare, securing their place in the final.

South African star Anneke Bosch delivered a career-defining performance, smashing an unbeaten 74 from 48 balls, with support from captain Laura Wolvaardt, who contributed 42 in a crucial second-wicket stand of 96. Their commanding partnership left Australia reeling and out of the tournament in an uncharacteristically subdued performance.

Wolvaardt, thrilled by the outcome, described the victory as “one of our biggest wins ever,” reflecting the magnitude of South Africa’s achievement on the global stage.

Australia’s innings lacked the usual firepower and confidence. Beth Mooney top-scored with a measured 44 from 42 balls, but the team’s failure to accelerate through the middle overs proved costly. Despite contributions from Ellyse Perry (31 off 23 balls) and Phoebe Litchfield (16 off nine), Australia’s final score felt below par.

South Africa, in contrast, launched their chase with confidence, making the most of a powerplay that saw them cruise to 43-1. Once Tazmin Brits was dismissed for 15, Bosch and Wolvaardt took control, dismantling the Australian bowling attack and guiding their team to a resounding victory. Bosch’s dazzling knock, featuring eight boundaries and a six, rewarded the selectors’ faith in her at number three.

Australia’s stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath acknowledged the disappointment, stating, “It’s pretty hard to take. We didn’t show up tonight, and you can’t afford to do that in tournaments like this. Credit to South Africa.”

This victory marks South Africa’s second consecutive appearance in a T20 World Cup final, following their home-soil success in 2023. With their emphatic win, South Africa has taken another significant step toward claiming their first-ever global cricket title.

Key Stats:

• Australia: 134-5 in 20 overs (Mooney 44, Perry 31; Khaka 2-24)
• South Africa: 135-2 in 17.2 overs (Bosch 74*, Wolvaardt 42; Sutherland 2-26)

The cricketing world will now eagerly await Sunday’s final, which for the first time will not feature Australia, England, or India, paving the way for a fresh champion in the women’s game.