Snehasis Mukherjee in Dubai
Australia’s 15-match unbeaten streak at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup ended yesterday at Dubai International Stadium. They suffered an 8-wicket loss to South Africa in the semi-final. For the first time ever, South Africa managed to defeat Australia in this tournament. It was a historic moment for both players and fans to witness. Anneke Bosch stole the spotlight with her sublime, match-winning knock. Here are the top five talking points from the game:
South Africa’s gritty bowling performance
Restricting the Aussies to 134 runs in 20 overs was a top effort by South Africa. Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka continued their good form, especially with the new ball, as Australia lost two wickets within the powerplay. The spin trio of Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon, and Sune Luus took just one wicket apiece but maintained pressure throughout. They conceded 67 runs in 10 overs, at an economy rate of 6.70.
The most impressive part of their bowling was the pace. They understood the conditions well, and their pace prevented the Aussie batters from playing their shots freely. Tahlia McGrath, Beth Mooney, and Ellyse Perry struggled to time their shots despite using their full strength. In the death overs, Khaka’s exceptional yorker-length deliveries hit the blockhole multiple times, not allowing free scoring.
Laura Wolvaardt’s captaincy
The South African skipper had a brilliant day leading the side. After winning the toss, she chose to bowl first. In the end, the decision proved right, given how they bowled and then confidently chased down the target. Wolvaardt deserves credit for adjusting her bowling options according to the conditions.
During the chase, Wolvaardt initially took charge. But when she saw Bosch smashing the ball all over the park, she played the supporting role and ensured stability at one end. Her understanding in such a high-pressure game, especially in a World Cup semi-final against Australia, showed her sharp thinking as a skipper. With this win, she has now won two T20Is this year against the Aussies from four opportunities.
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🚨 @ProteasWomenCSA makes history by defeating Australia in the #T20WomenWorldCup2024 SF at Dubai International Stadium— their first win over AUS 🇦🇺 in the tournament! @snehasis_95 and @Fancricket12 break down the top 5 talking points from the match. @OfficialFanatic pic.twitter.com/OKylElKbyD
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) October 18, 2024
Struggle of Australia’s batters
The way the Proteas women chased down the target made 134 seem like a below-par score in the first innings. Mooney scored 44 runs off 42 balls, but there were moments when she could have found boundaries to boost her strike-rate. McGrath also struggled, with a strike-rate of 81.81 after facing 33 balls. A decision that raised questions was sending Georgia Wareham at No. 3 instead of McGrath, Perry, or Phoebe Litchfield.
Wareham managed just five runs off nine balls. In the first 10 overs, Australia scored only 53 runs, compared to South Africa’s 74. Perry and Litchfield added some late fireworks, finishing with strike rates of 134.78 and 177.77 respectively. Australia also played more dot balls (45) than the Proteas (34). Overall, it was a shocking and disappointing display from Australia, something their fans are not used to seeing.
Attacking intent of South Africa batters
South Africa’s batters came out firing in the chase, showing the perfect mindset needed to topple Australia in a high-pressure game. Tazmin Brits had a short stay, but Wolvaardt and Bosch were a delight to watch. Whether facing pacers or spinners, they moved their feet confidently and played proper shots according to the deliveries. They hit 12 fours and three sixes, while Australia managed only 11 fours.
Remarkably, Australia did not hit a single six in their entire innings. Bosch, who has struggled against left-arm spinners in the past, looked sharp yesterday. When Sophie Molineux bowled, Bosch used both conventional and reverse sweeps to handle her. In the post-match press conference, the player of the match said: “Kind of working on playing the left-arm spin. Sweep was effective today and worked for me.”
Absence of Alyssa Healy
Australia were completely outplayed by South Africa in the chase, and perhaps McGrath, as skipper, could have done more to put up a fight. Fans likely missed Alyssa Healy, both as a batter and a leader. It must have been devastating for her to watch this heartbreaking loss from the sidelines.
However, while speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Healy said this one bad night would not define them as a team. She also mentioned that this loss is an opportunity for them to regroup and make a strong comeback in the near future.
History was made in Dubai, and now South Africa will wait to see whether they face New Zealand or West Indies in the final. Healy mentioned that a final between the White Ferns and Proteas women would be exciting to watch, as the tournament would have a new winner.
Also Read: “One bad night won’t define us” – Alyssa Healy reflects on Australia’s semi-Final exit