After 15 consecutive wins, Australia’s remarkable run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup finally came to an end. It was a semi-final clash that defied expectations, as South Africa outclassed the defending champions to secure their second straight appearance in the tournament’s final.
Australia entered the 2024 T20 World Cup with confidence. As reigning champions, they were a formidable side boasting a recent 3-0 series win at home against New Zealand. Their relentless form showed throughout the group stages, where they remained unbeaten at the top of Group A. Taking down teams like New Zealand (the eventual champions), India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, Australia’s dominance seemed unstoppable.
Their flawless journey in T20 World Cups stretched back to 2020, the last time they had suffered a loss, ironically at the hands of India in the tournament opener. But this year, South Africa would break that streak in dramatic fashion.
Australia’s semi-final opposition, South Africa, came in with a daunting win-loss record. Having lost all six of their previous T20 World Cup meetings against Australia, South Africa faced considerable pressure. But with the stakes higher than ever, South Africa’s determination to rewrite history was evident.
Opting to bat first, Australia managed a total of 134, thanks largely to a gritty knock from Beth Mooney, who scored 44 off 42 deliveries. Despite the team’s struggles, Mooney anchored the innings, ensuring they posted a defendable score. South Africa’s Ayabonga Khaka proved instrumental with her 2/24, maintaining pressure with disciplined bowling.
Chasing 135, South Africa lost opener Tazmin Brits early, creating a brief moment of tension in their camp. But Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch stabilized the innings with an incredible 96-run partnership that shifted the momentum in South Africa’s favor. Bosch, in particular, was unstoppable. Her quick-fire 74* off just 48 balls, featuring the fastest fifty (31 balls) for South Africa in a T20 World Cup, electrified the stadium.
With Wolvaardt’s valuable contribution of 42 off 37, South Africa cruised to an emphatic 8-wicket victory, shattering Australia’s dreams of a seventh title.
The outcome was a tough pill to swallow for Australia. Reflecting on the defeat, head coach Shelley Nitschke expressed the disappointment felt by the team. “Obviously, it was a really disappointing result for us,” Nitschke stated. “But there’s a fair bit coming up for us to look forward to.” With a break ahead, the team plans a thorough review to analyse and learn from their semi-final exit.
Australia’s road to redemption will start soon with a three-match ODI series against India, scheduled from December 5 to December 11. The series, part of the ICC Women’s Championship, will be played across Brisbane and Perth. With valuable championship points at stake, this ODI series will set the tone for Australia’s upcoming assignments.
Following the India series, Australia will prepare for a home Women’s Ashes series against England. This highly anticipated, multi-format series includes a Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is. In the 2023 Women’s Ashes, Australia retained the trophy after a hard-fought series in England. They claimed an 89-run victory in the Test, but England won both the ODI and T20I series by narrow 2-1 margins, making this rematch one of the most awaited events in women’s cricket.
With the T20 World Cup loss behind them, Australia’s journey ahead is one of both reflection and opportunity.
(Quote sourced from News Wire)
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