The stage is set for a blockbuster ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final as the Proteas Women take on six-time champions Australia at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday evening.
The match is scheduled to start at 18:00 local time (16:00 SAST), and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand (channel 201).
Although heading into the clash as underdogs, it will present an opportunity for South Africa to reach their second consecutive T20 World Cup final.
FOLLOW THE LIVE SCORING AS THE PROTEAS WOMEN FEATURE IN THE T20 WORLD CUP KNOCKOUT CLASH:
Historically, Australia has dominated this fixture, winning nine of the ten T20 Internationals (T20I) between the two sides, including a 19-run victory in the final of last year’s T20 World Cup. However, South Africa’s sole win against the Aussies in the format came in January this year, a six-wicket victory in Canberra, providing a significant confidence boost heading into this high-stakes encounter.
The Proteas have also been imperious at the Dubai International Stadium, winning all three of their T20I matches at this venue during the ongoing World Cup.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt believes this gives her side confidence going into the game.
“It’s a massive game for us. It brings back memories of facing Australia in the final last year, but a lot has happened since then. Those two wins against them earlier this year gives us positive energy, knowing that if we play our best cricket, they are beatable.”
Wolvaardt highlighted the difference in approach from last year’s tournament:
“We’ve had a year of experience and some changes in the team. Fresh faces and ideas, particularly with the new coaching staff, bringing a different energy. It’s been a bit of an up-and-down year, but I feel like we’ve hit our stride in this World Cup, and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
For South Africa, the in-form opening partnership between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits has been crucial, with the duo amassing 237 runs at an average of 79, the highest of any pair in the competition. They are just 63 runs shy of becoming the first pair to score 300+ runs in multiple editions of the tournament.
Australia’s depth remains a key challenge, with Wolvaardt acknowledging their ability to bounce back even after losing wickets:
“Their depth is just incredible, and they’ve gone to (batter) eight and nine quite a few times. Tomorrow, it will be about controlling that run rate as much as we can and matching up smartly against their line-up.”
Spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba will also be one to watch for South Africa, needing just one more wicket to become the first South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup tournament, and three wickets to join an elite group of bowlers with 50 career T20I wickets.
Though Australia come into the match as favourites, Wolvaardt emphasised the importance of focusing on their own game:
“It’s easy to get swept up in Australia’s achievements, but at the end of the day, if we play a good game of cricket, I believe we have the talent to beat them. T20 cricket is a bit crazy sometimes, anything can happen, and we just need to keep our focus simple and on ourselves.”
Proteas Women Squad – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (United Arab Emirates):
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Traveling Reserve
Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State) * Uncapped
South Africa’s Fixtures – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (03 – 20 October)
Thursday, 17 October @ 16:00 SAST: Australia vs South Africa (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
Friday, 18 October @ 16:00 SAST: West Indies vs New Zealand (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)
Sunday, 20 October @ 16:00 SAST: Final (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
Who do you think will win this tournament?
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