Aus W vs Sa W match: South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to insert Australia into bat, something she wanted because of the tremendous rematch of the previous final.
The first semi-final of Women's #T20WorldCup 2024 kicks-off 🤩
— ICC (@ICC) October 17, 2024
Australia and South Africa get ready for the all-important contest in Dubai 👊#WhateverItTakes #AUSvSA
Live report ⬇https://t.co/aHn5rmQFom
Australia Without Alyssa Healy
Australia, the six-time defending champions, were ruing the absence of their skipper Alyssa Healy, who was present on the ground but not in a moonboot.
Alyssa Healy arrives at the Dubai International Stadium without her crutches and moon boot 👀#AUSvSA #T20WorldCup #WhateverItTakeshttps://t.co/cT1JyYTM6M
— ICC (@ICC) October 17, 2024
The team’s official update read: “Healy is progressing and continues to be assessed.” The same lineup was retained as for their last league match – a nervy nine-run win over India. Explosive bat Grace Harris opened along with wicket-keeper Beth Mooney.
Also Read: PAK Vs ENG, 2nd Test: Sajid and Salman Shines As Pakistan Dominated England On Day 3
Pitch Conditions Are Likely To Be Aiding The Bowlers
According to Wolvaardt, she had chosen to bat first because “the ball comes on better in the second half.” South Africa did not alter its side either. The same pitch that had held two games preceding this—New Zealand vs India match and the India vs Sri Lanka game—had lesser grass on it on Thursday.
According to Sana Mir, an expert, the light-colored pitch showed that the runs were scored more on such pitches and fast bowlers had a slight chance. The square boundaries measured 57 and 63 meters, while the straight boundary went up to 73 meters.
South Africa Historic Win
This year, South Africa won their first T20I against Australia in history. Therefore it becomes excitingly different for such a highly touted semi-final match.
Playing XI
Australia Playing XI: Grace Harris, Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Wareham, Tahlia McGrath (C), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
South Africa Playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
