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South Africa Women scripted history as they defeated Australia Women in the first semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup to book their place in the final slated to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
Such was the magnitude of the win that for the first time since the inaugural edition back in 2009, Australia didn't manage to qualify for the final. South Africa came into the contest having never defeated Australia in a T20 World Cup game.
However, they had got their first taste of beating Australia in a bilateral series match earlier this year. Knowing the fact that you have beaten them previously certainly adds to the confidence but a World Cup match is a different ball game altogether.
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South Africa has quality players in their ranks and looks a well-oiled unit. They also halted Australia’s unbeaten 15-win streak in the T20 World Cup. It was utter domination from South Africa with both bat and ball. Australia would have backed themselves to defend the score of 134 with their strong bowling attack but the Proteas never gave them a chance.
They sailed through the run chase on the back of splendid knocks from Anneke Bosch and skipper Laura Wolvaardt. Barring the first two overs in the chase, the Proteas were always ahead in the game and eventually reached the target with 16 deliveries to spare. The Proteas will be high on confidence going into the final and will start as favourites.
Having said that, let us have a look at three reasons why the Proteas Women are the favourites to win the World Cup final.
#1 Beating Australia will be a massive boost
Australia is one of the most decorated teams in sporting history. Their record in World Cup events (both ODI and T20) is something every sporting team aspires to achieve. To just sum up the achievement, Australia had just lost two T20 World Cup games since the inaugural edition.
Their last defeat in a T20 World Cup game came against India during the 2020 World Cup game. Ahead of the game, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt had called Australia their hurdle and the win will boost their confidence to enormous proportions.
They won't mind either New Zealand or West Indies in the final after their resounding win against one of the greatest teams in sporting history.
#2 The form and confidence of the South African players
While the win against Australia will be a massive confidence booster going into the mega final, it was the manner in which they defeated the champions of the last three editions which will put them well ahead of West Indies or New Zealand whoever goes through to the final.
The bowling unit led by Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba has bowled brilliantly all through the tournament and continued their wicket-taking from against Australia. Marizanne Kaap also bowled well with Chloe Tryon playing the supporting role to perfection. Restricting Australia to under 140 will give them a sense of self-belief going into the final.
The captain Laura Wolvaardt batted superbly and led from the front but the form of Anneke Bosch came as a pleasant surprise for the Proteas. She hadn't scored too many runs coming into the semi-final bit produced the goods when it really mattered.
She came out all guns blazing and took Australia off guard. It's the collective form of the South African team which makes them the outright favourites for the final.
#3 A perfect blend of youth and experience
What makes South Africa one of the most competitive sides in the tournament is its blend of youth and experience. Laura Wolvaard, the captain of the side, is just 25 years old but has the experience of players like Marizanne Kaap and Sune Luus, whom she can lean on in pressure situations.
She also has bowlers like Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba who have enough experience playing at the international level. Anneke Bosch who scored a match-winning half-century against Australia made her T20I debut only a couple of years ago but has gelled with the team very well.
Considering all these factors, the Proteas will surely be the favourites to lift their maiden World Cup title.
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