The stage is set for a thrilling rematch as South Africa prepares to face Australia in the first semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup. The match, scheduled for Thursday at the Dubai International Stadium, carries the weight of history as the Proteas seek redemption after losing to the Aussies in the last World Cup final. Despite their recent victories against Australia this year, including a T20I win and an ODI win, South Africa knows they’re in for a tough battle.
The head-to-head record between these two teams is closely contested, with South Africa having triumphed only twice in their 10 T20Is against Australia. Seven of these matches have taken place in T20 World Cups. The most recent encounter saw Australia claim a 19-run victory in the 2023 final in Cape Town.
Dubai has been a challenging venue for teams in this tournament, with several key players sustaining injuries and big teams experiencing unexpected setbacks. Both South Africa and Australia, however, are known for their strong fielding, making this encounter a compelling clash against the testing conditions in Dubai.
South Africa emerged from the group stage with a 3-1 record, their only loss coming to England in a comprehensive 7-wicket defeat in Sharjah. In contrast, Australia has been dominant, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and extending their impressive streak to 15 games since winning the 2020 title.
South African captain Laura Wolvaardt has identified a weakness in their middle order, which has been prone to collapsing under pressure. They will be looking to address this concern, particularly after their middle order faltered against New Zealand in the group stage. Meanwhile, the Aussies are bolstered by the consistent performances of Beth Mooney, Grace Harris, and Ellyse Perry, who will be aiming for a high score on the more batting-friendly pitches in Dubai.
South Africa finds some comfort in having played three of their four group games in Dubai, giving them valuable experience on the pitches. Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, who had a successful outing in Dubai against West Indies, will be hoping for a similar performance.
The match promises to be a fascinating battle between two of the best pace bowlers in the women’s game: Megan Schutt of Australia and Marizanne Kapp of South Africa. Both bowlers are leading the dot-ball charts in the UAE, with Schutt recording 61 and Kapp 58 respectively.
Both teams have prioritized workload management, with many senior players resting on the eve of the semi-final. Alyssa Healy, who missed the crucial group game against India, is being assessed day-to-day and her availability remains uncertain.
The winner of this high-stakes encounter will advance to the final, where they will face the victor of the second semi-final between West Indies and New Zealand. The final is set to take place on Sunday, offering a thrilling conclusion to the tournament.