A superb 74 not out from Anneke Bosch fired South Africa into the Women's T20 World Cup final as they demolished defending champions Australia by eight wickets in Dubai on Thursday.
Set 135 to win, South Africa reached their target with 16 balls to spare, with Bosch, who struck eight fours and a six in her 48-ball innings, sharing a match-winning partnership of 96 with skipper Laura Wolvaardt (42).
In Sunday's final, which will be the first not to feature one of Australia or England, the South Africans will face either West Indies or New Zealand who meet in the second semi-final on Friday.
Australia, who have won six of the previous eight editions, had been the odds-on favourites to win a seventh title in the United Arab Emirates.
However, they had no answer to South Africa for whom this marked a measure of revenge for defeat by Australia in last year's final in Cape Town.
VICTORY for the Proteas Women and through to the FINAL????????????????
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 17, 2024
What an unforgettable performance as the Proteas Women take down Australia in the #T20WorldCup semi-final by 8 wickets!
With heart, skill, and pure dedication!
We Are #ALWAYSRISING! ????????
FOR ME. FOR HER. FOR THEM.… pic.twitter.com/VatSJzhe1h
"I think this is one of the best wins of my cricketing career for sure. A couple of other girls have said it as well," said Wolvaardt.
They will either play New Zealand or the West Indies who will battle it out for a spot in the final on Friday.
The final will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
