As South Africa gear up to face Australia, the only unbeaten side in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, all eyes are on Anneke Bosch and her team, who are determined to finish strong and secure the top spot on the table ahead of the semifinals.
Reflecting on her own form, Bosch admitted the tournament hasn’t been ideal personally. “Yeah, obviously not the best tournament for me so far. But I guess it’s cricket, you’re not always going to get the runs that you want. I’m not sure how management is looking at it for tomorrow’s game, but if I do get the opportunity, I just want to do well for the team and contribute as much as I can. I’ve got some good memories playing against Australia, so that’ll be a bit of a confidence boost.”
South Africa have consistently reached the knockout stages of ICC events, and Bosch believes that experience gives them an edge heading into another high-stakes encounter.
“Over the last couple of World Cups, we’ve done well because different players have stepped up in different games. That consistency in big tournaments really helps. Reaching a couple of semifinals gives us more confidence, but now, we want to take it one step further,” she explained. “It would really mean a lot to us and that’s obviously what you compete for what you are here for, to make it to that last and final match and hopefully lift the trophy.”
When asked about South Africa’s broader sporting culture, from the success of the Springboks to the achievements of both men’s and women’s cricket teams- Bosch credited the nation’s unity and resilience.
“It’s a combination of a lot of things. We’re a massive sporting nation, and we love to play for the country and make our country proud. It’s our resilience and the way we come together as a nation in big tournaments like this. We play for each other and for the people back at home,” she said. “It’s our fighting spirit and the desire to always do well that drives us.”
Bosch emphasized the importance of maintaining balance and focus, regardless of the opponent. “We always speak about approaching each game the same way. We don’t want to look too far in the future and the most important thing that we talk about is always our next game… Australia are a world-class team, really difficult to beat, defending champions, and have been playing great cricket, so it’s going to be a big challenge and a good contest,” she said. “If we just play our best cricket, the results will take care of itself.”
Bosch acknowledged that Australia’s consistency makes them one of the toughest teams to beat. “They’re the best team in the world. To beat them, you have to do the basics really well and for longer periods. The team that controls the game longer usually comes out on top,” she said. “Even when they’re in difficult situations, they find a way to pull through… So, it’s about sticking to our game plans, doing what we do well, and applying ourselves.”
Bosch also praised teammate Nadine de Klerk for her vital contributions down the order. “She’s been amazing for us this tournament. Coming in under pressure and pulling us through in crucial moments. Gave us the couple of points when we needed it. She’s been a very important part of our team, always putting her hand up when needed and helping us get over the line.”
With potential semifinal matchups against either India in Navi Mumbai or England in Guwahati, Bosch said the team isn’t looking too far ahead. “We’re not thinking about that right now. Like I said, we’re taking it one game at a time. Whoever we face, it’s going to be a massive contest, and the team that rocks up best on the day will walk away with the win.”
South Africa’s clash with Australia is not just another group-stage fixture- it’s a chance to prove themselves against the tournament’s benchmark team. With a semifinal spot already secured, Bosch and her teammates will aim to bring their best cricket to the field and carry momentum into the knockout stages.
Loves all things female cricket