“Against all odds” - Fans react as South Africa knocks defending champions Australia out of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup

South Africa made history by defeating defending champions Australia in the first semi-final of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. As a result, they secured their spot in the final for the second consecutive time. The game was held on Thursday, October 17, at Dubai International Stadium.

After being put into bat, Australia struggled initially, losing Grace Harris (3) and Georgia Wareham (5) early. Beth Mooney (44 off 42 balls) and captain Tahlia McGrath (27 off 33 balls) formed a partnership of 50 runs for the third wicket. However, it took them 55 balls, which slowed the team’s scoring rate. Ellyse Perry later added 31 off 23 balls, helping Australia finish at 134 for five in their 20 overs.

In reply, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt scored 42 off 37 balls. It was Anneke Bosch who truly made an impact with an unbeaten 74 off 48 balls, including eight boundaries and one six. Her stellar performance guided South Africa to an eight-wicket victory with 16 balls to spare, securing their place in the final of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup.

As South Africa qualified for the final by knocking out defending champions Australia, fans took to X to share their reactions. Here are some of them:

“Against all odds, South Africa makes history by ending Australia’s 15-game T20 World Cup winning streak!”

“Australia won’t win an event. Cricket is alive,” a fan wrote.

“South Africa has pulled off one of the biggest upsets in cricket history by eliminating Australia in the semi-finals! Their intensity, courage, and top-class performance against the mighty Australian women’s team are truly commendable,” wrote another.

“Wow, what an incredible achievement for South Africa! Breaking that streak against Australia is monumental for women’s cricket,” said another.

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“It means a lot, can't really describe” - Anneke Bosch reflects as South Africa qualifies for 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup final

Anneke Bosch was the standout performer for the Proteas, delivering a match-winning fifty. She hit the final run and finished unbeaten on 74, leading her team to a historic victory. The 31-year-old also earned the Player of the Match award. During the post-match presentation, she shared her thoughts and said:

“My heart is racing a lot, it was tough out there, glad we got past the line. I'm happy to have contributed some runs. Just keep scoring those runs, play with the conditions around and stick to what you do best (on the chat with Wolvaardt).”

“It means a lot, can't really describe, we knew we were capable, had a pretty good tournament coming into the game. Thanks to all the support from our fans, we had plenty of them last time around (when they hosted the tournament in 2023), but they've stood by us and keep supporting us going ahead to the final,” she continued [as quoted by Cricbuzz].

Meanwhile, New Zealand and the West Indies are set to compete in the second semi-final at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 18. The final is scheduled for Sunday, October 20.