In pursuit of becoming the first South African team to win a World Cup, Laura Wolvaardt and her squad are set for a high-stakes semifinal showdown against reigning champions Australia in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup on Thursday (October 17) in Dubai.
Heading into this rematch of the 2023 final, both teams share notable similarities. Their openers have proven capable in knockout stages, their pace bowlers are among the few in the tournament maintaining an economy rate below 4 RPO, and their captains, teammates at Adelaide Strikers, are familiar with each other's strengths and weaknesses. However, the deciding factor may lie in how well they manage their nerves—something South Africa is keen to address after their heartbreaking loss in Cape Town last year.
Over the past 20 months since that defeat in front of a packed home crowd, South Africa has learned one essential lesson: playing their best cricket can make Australia vulnerable. Although Australia boasts a dominant 9-1 head-to-head record in T20Is, South Africa's confidence is bolstered by a series of factors, including mutual preparation in Australia earlier this year, in-form players excelling in both batting and bowling, and favourable conditions in Dubai that have leveled the playing field.
South Africa has played three of their four group-stage matches in Dubai, winning all comfortably, giving them an edge over an injury-hit Australian side that has only played once at this venue. England and India both struggled in their first Dubai matches, and Australia’s memories of the city aren't particularly fond either. Their fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck dislocated her shoulder upon returning to the World Cup, and captain Alyssa Healy hobbled off with a foot injury soon after.
Despite these setbacks, Australia demonstrated their resilience, defeating India in Sharjah by a narrow nine-run margin. As they head into the semifinals, Australia remains the team to beat, having qualified for every semifinal in the tournament’s nine editions and appearing in each final since 2010. It will take an extraordinary effort from South Africa to change that narrative.
Match Details:
When: Thursday, October 17, 6 PM local time | 7:30 PM IST
Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Pitch Report: Teams that have won the toss in Dubai have opted to bat first on seven occasions, winning four of those matches. Chasing teams, however, have maintained a perfect record in three attempts. The trend at this venue has seen first-innings scores of 160 or higher win three out of four times, though New Zealand’s 110/6 also proved enough against Pakistan to secure their semifinal berth.
Head-to-Head: Australia leads South Africa 9-1 in Women’s T20I matches, with the Proteas' only win coming earlier this year in Canberra. Australia also holds a 7-0 record against South Africa in Women's T20 World Cups, including their victory in the 2023 final.
Team News:
Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy, remains doubtful for the semifinal after her foot injury, with no recent training. Grace Harris took over as opener in Healy’s absence, and Darcie Brown replaced the injured Tayla Vlaeminck. Australia may stick to this lineup for the semifinal.
Probable Australia XI:
Beth Mooney (wk), Grace Harris, Georgia Wareham, Ellyse Perry, Phoebe Litchfield, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (C), Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown
South Africa enters the semifinal with no injury concerns, having trained earlier this week after completing their group-stage matches.
Probable South Africa XI:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka