Australia put up a dominant display against South Africa, securing a convincing seven-wicket victory in their Women’s World Cup showdown on Saturday, October 25, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Alana King set a new tournament record with her exceptional bowling performance, dismantling the Proteas singlehandedly.
Following this win, Australia secured a spot in the semi-finals where they will face India on October 30 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. With 13 points and a net run rate of +2.102, the defending champions clinched the top spot in the league stage. Meanwhile, in the other semi-final match, England will take on South Africa on October 29 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
In the match, South Africa started steadily with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits contributing 31 runs for the opening wicket. However, Australia fought back strongly as Megan Schutt dismissed Wolvaardt for 31 runs, and Kim Garth removed Brits. Alana King then took over, restricting South Africa and eventually bowling them out for 97 in 24 overs. King’s exceptional spell of 7-2-18-7 included a remarkable burst of 2.2-2-0-4.
During Australia’s chase, they faced early setbacks with Marizanne Kapp removing Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry quickly. Nonetheless, Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney stabilized the innings with a partnership of 76 runs for the third wicket. Mooney scored 42 runs before getting dismissed by De Klerk, but Voll’s unbeaten 38 off 30 deliveries guided Australia to victory with ease.
Australia achieved the target with 33.1 overs remaining, continuing their unbeaten streak in Women’s World Cups since 2017.