In a record-breaking journey, the Proteas Women’s cricket team became the first senior South African team to reach a World Cup final, achieving this historic feat in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in February 2023.

Making the final again in 2024, with back-to-back appearances in global finals, the Proteas Women captured the nation’s attention and demonstrated the growing enthusiasm for women’s cricket across South Africa.

This is evident in Nielsen Sports SA Fan Insights data, which highlights a marked increase in South Africa’s engagement with women’s cricket and shows rapidly rising viewership numbers.

Nielsen Fan Insights data proves that women’s cricket is gaining significant traction in the hearts of South Africans, and this directly translates into their televised sports viewing habits.

SuperSport’s 2024 broadcasts reached a total unique live audience of 982 988 – a 21 per cent increase from the previous year; and a total unique audience of over 1.2 million – up 17 per cent.

The increase means that the Proteas Women’s cricket team now commands a top-2 level of interest, up from 57 per cent in 2023 to 63 per cent in 2024.

Data further details an evolving demographic: among fans with a high interest in the team, half are women, and two-thirds are under the age of 40, proving that the Proteas Women’s achievements have sparked a fresh wave of enthusiasm across diverse viewer segments.

Tumelo Selikane, Managing Director at Nielsen Sports SA, comments, “The Proteas Women’s remarkable success has resonated deeply with South African fans. This historic achievement shows that women’s cricket in South Africa is capturing the hearts and minds of both traditional cricket followers and new audiences, particularly among younger fans.

SuperSport’s extensive coverage has been instrumental in bringing this excitement into the homes of many proud South Africans.

The team is not only being noticed by fans but also by brands looking to connect with the growing audience. The data is a powerful indicator for rightsholders who want to gain a foothold with a new generation of fans.”

SuperSport’s commitment to showcasing women’s sport through live and secondary broadcasts has also made the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup more accessible to fans across South Africa.

With broadcasts on seven channels and secondary viewership growing by 12 per cent, South Africans engaged with the sport like never before, once again highlighting the increasing appeal of women’s cricket.

Good luck to the team for 2025.

Just when it looked like the T20 World Cup was progressing according to the well-known script, the leading actors fluffed their lines – or had the words taken out of their mouths by the West Indies and South Africa.

It was a shock when Hayley Matthews’s team from the Caribbean hammered England by six wickets in what was effectively a quarterfinal but nowhere near as stunning as South Africa’s eight-wicket demolition of six-time champions and perennial finalists, Australia, in the first of the semifinals.

It's no secret that the Proteas Women were nothing short of impressive at the #T20WoldCup 🇿🇦🔥#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/WpsClsilHL

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 21, 2024

Suddenly, against most odds, the two pre-tournament favourites were gone and the Women’s game was opened up to a brand new era in which the final was contested by two teams who had never won the World Cup before.

Truly, the Women’s game is evolving, expanding and improving at a glorious pace.

That the best team in the world and, in many opinions, the two next best did not reach the semifinals is sad for Australia, England and India, but immensely exciting for the rest of the world and the progress being made by other teams.

They are catching up – or perhaps they have caught up!

Laura Wolvaardt’s team were far from their best in the final but that should not detract from a remarkable performance from New Zealand’s White Ferns who completed a turnaround in form to compare with any sport – they lost 10 consecutive T20Is before the tournament began and walked away as champions.

New Zealand are the #T20WorldCup champions for the first time 👏👏 #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/QaAXS72IX1

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2024

Neil Manthorp reviews the tournament.

Top player: Every single one of these categories are too hard to separate but we’ll name the runners and riders and go for a ‘lucky dip’.

It’s hard to look past Marizanne Kapp in big tournaments and it’s not just her amazing statistics.

The mere fact that she was ‘next in’ imbued Anneke Bosch with the belief and confidence to play the innings of the tournament in the semifinal against Australia.

Kapp doesn’t always take wickets with the new ball (she mostly does) but she’s stifling the run-rate if she isn’t, which applies just as much pressure.

She is amazing with the bat. Best allrounder in the world. Enough said.

New Zealand’s captain, Sophie Devine, scored an unbeaten 57 from 36 balls to help her team to a total of 160-4 and a surprise victory by 58 runs against India in their opening match.

At the age of 35, having realised a dream, she relinquished the captaincy amidst the celebrations and handed a champagne-soaked baton over to a new generation, including Amelia Kerr who top-scored with 43 in the final and then claimed 3-24 to seal both player of the match and player of the tournament.

Top bowler: Nonkululeka Mlaba enjoyed an outstanding tournament with 12 wickets at an average of just 11.3 and an economy rate of 5.6 runs per over.

The moment Nonkululeko Mlaba took her 50th T20 wicket 🥹🇿🇦

📺 Stream #T20WorldCup on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/Gdc3PKCRKY

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2024

Kapp claimed five wickets in her six matches but an economy rate of just 4.63 – one of the lowest in the tournament – was testament to the respect she commands from all opposition batters.

But the top bowler was Kerr with 15 wickets to go with her 135 runs.

Top batter: Captain Wolvaardt is all too aware of how much her team relies on a good start and she provided it, along with fellow opener Tazmin Brits, in every game.

They were comfortably the highest run-scorers in the tournament, Wolvaardt (223) the only batter to breach 200 and Brits (187) over 30 ahead of third-placed Englishwoman, Dani Wyatt-Hodge who scored 151.

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, scored 150 – at an average of 150 – including a stunning 52 from just 27 balls against Sri Lanka.

Outstanding team: Australia. Until they were walloped by the Proteas. And then South Africa, until New Zealand completed the most fairytale of sporting stories.

The outstanding team is the one which lasts the distance, which is exactly what the White Ferns did, against most predictions and most odds.

Top SA player: Marizanne Kapp is comfortably the best allrounder in the game. Even in a quiet tournament, which this was by her standards, her numbers are impressive.

There were calls for her to bat at No 3 rather than four - as well as open the bowling. Some people are never satisfied!

But Wolvaardt and Mlaba share this honour, this time.

Best match: It was a tournament of walloping one-siders rather than nail-biters which isn’t necessarily a bad thing – especially when the underdogs are doing the walloping.

England’s last over victory against South Africa had many believing this would be predictable tournament but, as it happened, England weren’t skillfully pacing themselves over the line but stumbling nervously across it.

The final was one of the closer contests and even that was pretty one-sided in the end.

Best individual performance: Anneke Bosch and her unbeaten 74 from just 48 balls in the semifinal against Australia will be talked about and remembered for a long time.

Promoted to No 3 ahead of Kapp at the start of the tournament she responded with a couple of lukewarm innings and looked anything but the ‘touchstone’ SA were looking for.

But when the biggest moment in her career arrived, she delivered in spectacular style.

Anneke Bosch's 74 in the semi-final is the highest individual score of the tournament so far 🔥

Will we see an epic knock like that in the final? pic.twitter.com/3XRPMRv137

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 20, 2024

Mention too for Australia opening bowler, Megan Schutt, who claimed 3-12 against Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka to overtake South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail as the leading wicket-taker in T20 World Cups.

But Amelia Kerr’s performance with bat and bat and ball in the final was comfortably the best individual performance.

Top Talking Point: Boundaries and pitches. The first were too big and the second too low and slow.

The tournament was moved from strife-torn Bangladesh at short notice but still, surely the pitches could have been more conducive to entertainment?

But the biggest talking point was not the ‘demise’ of the ‘big two’ – Australia and England – but the thrill of the others finally catching up.

Quote of the week: “A lot of us really thought this was our opportunity. I think we probably let them score a few too many with the bat. They came out with some real intent and it caught us on the back foot a little bit. We thought we could ride it out, hopefully score a wicket or two, but they just kept going, rotated really well.

"The girls are really, really disappointed, especially after the cricket that we played in the semifinal, we thought we could do the same in the final and just didn't show up on the day."

Laura Wolvaardt reflects on South Africa's #T20WorldCup journey 👇🇿🇦#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/tgyztOJ4kM

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2024

Back-to-back #T20WorldCup finalists 👏 The Proteas Women have made every South African proud 🇿🇦 #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/SpyMkoVcrc

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 21, 2024

New Zealand hailed one of the country's finest weekends in its sporting history Monday after the triple success of winning the Women's T20 World Cup, a rare test triumph in India and America's Cup sailing glory.

"This was a weekend that will go down in New Zealand's sporting annals," sports minister Chris Bishop said in a statement.

First, the crew of Emirates Team New Zealand completed a commanding 7-2 victory over Ineos Britannia on Saturday to retain the America's Cup.

The dominant Kiwis lifted the world's oldest international sporting trophy for the third consecutive time after beating their British opponents by 37 seconds in the ninth race off Barcelona to end the best-of-13 series.

On Sunday, New Zealand crushed the mighty India by eight wickets in Bengaluru to record their first test cricket win on Indian soil for 36 years.

Later the same day an outstanding all-round performance by Amelia Kerr led the country to their historic first Women's T20 World Cup crown as they beat South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai.

Throw in a ruthless 64-50 victory over world champions Australia in Wellington in netball, and it had many in New Zealand debating whether the country had ever known a weekend like it.

"The best weekend for NZ sport ever?" asked Radio New Zealand.

Jesse Mulligan, a presenter on RNZ, said: "It's been a golden 48 hours for New Zealand sport."

The New Zealand Herald ran a poll on its website asking readers which was their highlight, also throwing in Auckland FC's win on their debut in the A-League and Liam Lawson's ninth-placed finish in the Formula One in Austin, Texas.

The T20 World Cup win came out top with 33 per cent of the vote, followed by the America's Cup and then the test victory in India.

"Kiwi sports fans can be forgiven if they're caught yawning at work today, after so much sporting excitement packed into one weekend," added Bishop.

The news website Stuff called it "a weekend that kept giving, one that will go down as one of the greats.

"And the All Blacks weren't even in action."

New Zealand's Amelia Kerr, whose match-winning performance guided the White Ferns to their first T20 Women's World Cup on Sunday, said teammates Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates had so inspired her when she was at school that she wrote stories about winning the trophy with them.

The 24-year-old legspinner top-scored with 43 in the New Zealand total of 158-5 and then took 3-24 as South Africa fell short by 32 runs.

Kerr finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 15 and collected both the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament Awards.

But 14 years ago, Kerr watched forlornly on television as New Zealand, with current skipper Devine and opening bat Bates in the side, lost the 2010 final to Australia by just three runs.

It was a moment that triggered a love for the game and a desire to put the record right.

"I was inspired to be a White Fern watching that 2010 World Cup which Sophie was at," said Kerr who made her international debut when she was just 16.

"From that moment I was at the nets with my dad pretending I was batting with Sophie and Suzie.

"And I was in the team so young and playing with my role models who have been so good to me, two of New Zealand's greatest ever cricketers.

"I just think back to myself as a kid. When I was at primary school in creative writing, I wrote about winning a World Cup with Sophie and Suzie.

"I don't necessarily believe you deserve things in sport, but if any two people do, it's Sophie and Suzie."

Devine, 35, and Bates, 37, are two of the elder stateswomen in the side along with 34-year-old Lea Tahuhu.

Each of them made their mark on the final. Bates made 32 and took three catches while fast bowler Tahuhu squeezed the South African middle order.

Devine only made six but her leadership was outstanding, bringing out the best in the younger players in the team, like Kerr.

'HEARTBREAK AND HAPPINESS'

"We joke about being grandmas and mums and whatnot but you feel a real sense of pride at seeing them stand up and take opportunities. Melie (Kerr) today was unbelievable," said the skipper.

"For us to be able to win it, it's just nice to have that. It's always something that you want to have when you finish your career."

Devine's first action after winning was to embrace her fellow 'grandma' Bates who has now played 334 white ball internationals since making her debut back in 2006.

"Me and Suze have been through a lot together," she said.

"We've been through a lot of hairstyles together, hers a lot worse than mine.

"But to be able to share it, to be fielding close together as well and to share that moment, that embrace, that's 17, 18 years of joy and heartbreak and happiness shared in that moment. It's just been awesome to share that with her."

With the men's cricket team also completing a spectacular win in Bengaluru earlier in the day, their first test win in India since 1988, Sunday was arguably New Zealand's finest ever day on the cricket field, although Devine hopes there is more to come.

"I'm really hopeful that tonight's victory can inspire that next generation of not just young girls but young boys as well to pick up a cricket bat, a cricket ball," she said.

"It still feels pretty surreal at the moment and hopefully the impact of what we've been able to achieve is going to be long-standing and long-reaching. Everyone loves a winner, don't they?"

New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr reached new heights with a superb performance with bat and ball that led her team to their first ever Women's T20 World Cup title as they beat South Africa by a commanding 32 runs in Sunday's final in Dubai.

Kerr, who was named Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, top-scored with 43 as New Zealand posted an imposing 158-5 in their 20 overs.

In the 2024 #WomenT20WorldCup2024Final, #AmeliaKerr delivered an outstanding performance, earning both the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards.

She made history as the only player to score at least 40 runs and take three or more wickets in a T20 World Cup… pic.twitter.com/WoR9VJx2wy

— आकाश (@SocioAkash) October 20, 2024

The 24-year-old from Wellington then took 3-24, crucially picking up the key wickets of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch, to restrict South Africa to 126 for nine in their 20 overs.

"We all know she is a once-in-a-generation player," said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.

Player of the Match and of the tournament, Amelia Kerr: "I'm speechless, stoked to get the win considering what the team has been through. So proud of the team. Wicket was good, slowed up a little bit. Not bad to bowl second. 140+ gets us in the game. Brooke and Maddie's six,… pic.twitter.com/aaHDLySD3H

— 🏏Flashscore Cricket (@FlashCric) October 20, 2024

"What she was able to do tonight was incredible. Physically to do what she did with the bat, I think she can't feel her legs.

"She is not a bad cricketer but the person that she is, the world is her oyster."

Victory marked a sweet finish to Devine's own career.

The win came 14 years after the White Ferns lost to Australia by just three runs in the 2010 final. They also lost to England in the 2009 championship match.

Amelia Kerr - The Star in the Finals for New Zealand. #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/JF8444RFU6

— GSMS Media (@GsmsMedia) October 20, 2024

It also marks a remarkable change of form as they had lost 10 T20Is coming into the tournament. They had won just five of their previous 22 before their eye-catching win over India in their opening game.

"I started to dream last night about what it feels to hold the trophy with this team," said Devine.

"The great thing about this group is we know what we have been trying to achieve in the last 15, 18, 24 months.

"We kept taking steps in right directions, you want momentum and we came to the World Cup on the back of 10 successive losses. But everyone starts on zero."

For South Africa, who demolished six-time winners Australia in the semifinal, it made for a double disappointment having lost last year's final to the Aussies in Cape Town.

"Our focus was just to reset, not get too ahead of ourselves," said skipper Wolvaardt.

"We knew that we still had a really quality opponent in New Zealand to go and yeah, we just didn't play our best cricket tonight."

KIWI AGGRESSION

After being put in to bat, the New Zealand openers began aggressively with Suzie Bates, playing in her 334th international, making a rapid 32.

When Devine was leg before to Nadine de Klerk on review, the innings appeared to be faltering but the arrival of Brooke Halliday lifted the tempo as she added 57 in seven overs with Kerr for the fourth wicket.

Halliday hit three boundaries in her 38 but was dismissed when she picked out Bosch on the midwicket boundary.

Kerr slammed back-to-back boundaries off Mlaba before finding Tazmin Brits to fall for 43 from 38 balls.

Maddy Green, however, maintained the momentum with 12 off six balls including the only six of the innings.

Wolvaardt (33) and Brits (17) got South Africa off to a roaring start bringing up the 50 in the seventh over before three wickets fell in quick succession.

Brits was caught by Green at long-on before Kerr in her second over removed both of South Africa's main batters, Wolvaardt for 33 and Bosch, who had played so well in the win over Australia

South Africa had slumped to 64 for three and New Zealand were in command.

With the required run rate rising, South Africa's middle and lower order, who have barely batted in this tournament, struggled to get going with wickets tumbling at regular intervals.

MEMORABLE DAY

Kerr took a catch to remove Nadine de Klerk and then claimed a third wicket when Bates, arguably the outstanding fielder at the tournament, took her third catch of the innings to remove Annerie Dercksen. Kerr finished with a tournament-leading 15 wickets.

Fast bowler Rosemary Mair made her presence felt with 3-25 as the tail folded.

The last pair held out for the final over but could not prevent New Zealand from celebrating their first title.

Victory completed a memorable day for New Zealand cricket after the men's team clinched a first test win in India for 36 years earlier Sunday.

A bitterly disappointing performance from the Proteas Women saw them slump to a heavy 32-run defeat against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday night.

After enjoying a great tournament, highlighted by a brilliant win over Australia in the semifinals, while their only defeat came in a tight loss against England in the pool stage, the Proteas went into the final with plenty of confidence and momentum.

However, they proceeded to put in arguably their poorest effort in all three departments, as they struggled with the ball and in the field as New Zealand amassed a big 158 for five batting first, followed by a very poor chase that saw them finish well short on 126 for nine. 

New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr was the star performer for her team as she top-scored with 43 off 38 balls (4x4), before picking up 3-24 with the ball, backed up well by Rosemary Mair, who claimed 3-25.

“I think we had a really good semifinal. The focus was just to reset and not get ahead of ourselves. We knew that we had a quality opponent in New Zealand to go and (unfortunately) we just didn’t play our best cricket tonight,” said a disappointed Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt.

“They really came at us hard in the powerplay. There was clear intent from them early on. At first I thought we could ride the wave a bit and score a few wickets here and there, but they just kept going. We probably let them score a few too many, which put a lot of pressure on us with the bat.

“At the halfway stage we still backed ourselves to chase that score. We got off to a good start and I definitely thought it was game on after the powerplay. But they put the squeeze on after that. I think (overs) seven to 11 was not our best phase and that’s where we let it slip.”

Laura Wolvaardt reflects on South Africa's #T20WorldCup journey 👇🇿🇦#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/tgyztOJ4kM

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2024

The Proteas got off to a good start in their chase as 10 runs each off Fran Jonas’ third and Lea Tahuhu’s fourth over, and another 10 off Mair’s sixth took them to 47 without loss by the end of the power play.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt, 33 off 27 balls (5x4) had been the aggressor while Tazmin Brits (17) was only managing a run-a-ball, and that put pressure on her which led to her slogging Jonas straight to Maddie Green at long on in the seventh over, with the score 51 for one.

The Proteas were still in a decent position, but arguably the turning point came in the ninth as Tahuhu bowled a brilliant over that went for just one, with five of those dot balls at Anneke Bosch (9).

That put the pressure on Wolvaardt to go for a boundary and she tried to hit Kerr over cover at the start of the 10th but only found Suzie Bates on the inner ring to deal a hammer blow to their chase.

That was compounded off the last ball as Bosch feathered an edge to keeper Isabella Gaze, with it initially not being given, and New Zealand successfully reviewing, leaving the Proteas in trouble on 64 for three. 

New Zealand effectively sealed the match with a quick double strike as Marizanne Kapp (8) swept Eden Carson to Georgia Plimmer at deep midwicket at the end of the 12th over, followed by Nadine de Klerk edging Mair to Kerr at backward point with the first ball of the 13th as they tumbled to 77 for five. 

New Zealand are the #T20WorldCup champions for the first time 👏👏 #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/QaAXS72IX1

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 20, 2024

Chloe Tryon (14) and Sune Luus (8) were the Proteas' last hopes, and when Luus hit Brooke Halliday straight to Bates at extra cover at the start of the 15th over, their chances evaporated as they fell to 97 for six.

Annerie Dercksen (10) gave Kerr her third wicket, while Mair picked up two wickets in her final over as New Zealand sealed a commanding win.

At the start of the match, the Proteas won the toss and chose to bowl, but an average bowling and fielding display allowed New Zealand to set a big target.

The Proteas put down a few catches in the field and allowed a few balls through, while the bowlers conceded 15 extras, which included 10 wides and three no-balls, which gave them a good boost at the end.

It was an exciting start to the innings as New Zealand showed their attacking intent early, with Plimmer (9) and Bates (32) hammering early boundaries before Plimmer skied Ayabonga Khaka to Luus on the long-on boundary with the score 20 for one after two overs.

Bates and Kerr continued the solid start by taking their side to 43 for one by the end of the power play, while bringing up the teams' 50 in the next over.

The Proteas, however, pulled it back nicely as Nonkululeko Mlaba bowled Bates in the eighth over, and New Zealand reached the halfway mark on 70 for two.

In the 11th over De Klerk trapped Sophie Devine (6) in front, with the umpire not giving it, but Wolvaardt reviewed and the decision was overturned as New Zealand slipped to 74 for three.

Halliday, 38 off 28 (3x4), and Kerr took a few overs to rebuild, but in the 14th over, Halliday finally unleashed as she hammered back-to-back boundaries off Luus with 12 off the over, while a boundary each from Halliday and Kerr off De Klerk’s 15th saw 13 runs off it as they also passed the 100-run mark.

New Zealand players bask in #T20WorldCup glory 😍#SAvNZ #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/8Y0U7iNOUE

— ICC (@ICC) October 20, 2024

Tryon finally broke the dangerous stand in the 18th over as Halliday pulled the ball straight to Bosch at deep backward square leg, with the score 127 for four.

But New Zealand finished with a flourish as Kerr crunched back-to-back boundaries off Mlaba in the 19th, before being caught by Tazmin Brits at deep midwicket, with 11 still coming off the over.

Khaka’s final over went for 16 runs as Maddie Green (12no) launched a six over deep midwicket and was dropped off the last ball as they ran two to end with good momentum.

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

NEW ZEALAND: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas

The Proteas Women will take on New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 final on Sunday evening at the Dubai International Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, with both teams vying for their first-ever World Cup title in the short format.

With a new champion set to be crowned, the encounter will get underway at 18h00 local time (16h00 SAST) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand (201).

The moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! 🏆 The Proteas Women are set to take on New Zealand in the #T20WorldCup FINAL! 🏏🌍 🇿🇦

Let’s rally behind our national team as they fight for glory on the world stage!
Let’s show the world that we are #AlwaysRising! ☄️🏏🇿🇦

FOR… pic.twitter.com/bTYpqUc8Hz

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 19, 2024

South Africa comes into this final having alternated between wins and losses in their last four T20 Internationals (T20I) clashes against New Zealand, but they hold the upper hand, winning their most recent contest by 11 runs in October last year. Furthermore, the Proteas Women have enjoyed significant success in recent ICC Women's T20 World Cup encounters with the White Ferns, winning two of their last three meetings, including a commanding 65-run victory in Paarl during last year’s tournament held on home soil.

The Proteas will be playing in their second consecutive ICC Women's T20 World Cup final, joining the ranks of Australia, New Zealand, and England as teams that have reached back-to-back finals. In the semifinal against the Aussies, South Africa's Anneke Bosch was the star with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 74 at a strike rate of 154.2, an innings that ranks among the best in the history of knockout matches in the competition.

There is something special happening in South African cricket currently 🔥🇿🇦#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/RH2demkTlb

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 18, 2024

Proteas Women allrounder Chloe Tryon shared insights on the team’s mindset ahead of this monumental clash.

“It’s nice to be in another final. It’s always been our goal, and it feels really exciting for the team. We’ve been working hard to get here, and we just want to play our best cricket on Sunday.”

✅ Pre-match build-up
✅ Afrikaans and isiXhosa commentary available
✅ A thrilling #T20WorldCup final

Only one team will lift the trophy in Dubai tomorrow 🏆#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/0frW0cS5HP

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 19, 2024

Having suffered a painful defeat in the 2023 final at Newlands, Tryon acknowledged the emotional toll but emphasized how the team has grown since then. “That loss was tough to swallow, but we’ve reflected and learned a lot. We’re calmer now and know our roles better. We’ve been gelling really well, and I feel like the way we’ve been playing—calm, confident, and together—has been key.”

On the challenge posed by New Zealand, Tryon expects a fierce contest. “They’ve shown a lot of resilience, especially turning things around in this tournament. We know it’s going to be a tough fight, but we’re excited for it.”

Tryon also highlighted the significance of Bosch’s semifinal heroics, praising her mental strength and ability to perform under pressure. “She had been struggling a bit before, but to come out in a big game like that and show so much character was fantastic. We all fed off that energy, and it’s exactly what we need going into the final.”

With senior players like Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka leading the bowling attack, the Proteas have been clinical in applying pressure and closing out key moments. “As a bowling unit, we’ve been happy with how we’ve played, (particularly in the semifinal against Australia). We stayed nice and calm, bowled well in partnerships, which set us up for closing out the innings, which was crucial,” Tryon said.

When asked about the significance of potentially bringing the trophy home, Tryon spoke with passion: “It would mean so much to unite the country. We’ve had a lot of support from back home, and we want to make everyone proud. We hope to bring everyone together by doing something special on Sunday.

Proteas Women Squad - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (United Arab Emirates):

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

Traveling Reserve

Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State)

* Uncapped

South Africa’s Fixtures - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (03 - 20 October)

Sunday, 20 October @ 16h00 SAST: South Africa v New Zealand (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

The Future of Women’s Cricket takes centre stage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as South Africa and New Zealand Clash for the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup 2024 Final on Sunday, 20 October.

The ICC T20 Women’s World Cup has always been a platform for remarkable cricket, and the 2024 edition has been no different.

We've witnessed thrilling performances, including Tazmin Brits' brilliant batting, Anneke Bosch's semi-final masterclass, and Nonkululeko Mlaba's stunning wicket-taking prowess.

Now, the final question remains: Who will lift the coveted trophy?

TWO FAN PARKS

Cricket South Africa (CSA) invites you to experience the excitement at two official fan parks, hosted at DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg and Willowmoore Park in Benoni.

These fan parks offer a family-friendly environment, welcoming cricket lovers of all ages to celebrate the spirit of the game. In the true spirit of inclusivity, these events will unite fans in a joyful, celebratory atmosphere.

Families are encouraged to bring picnic baskets (excluding alcohol), camp chairs, and blankets to enjoy an afternoon filled with music, fun, and entertainment during the match.

SUNDAY, 20 October 2024

Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Gates open at 11:30 AM

DP World Wanderers, Johannesburg

Gates open at 10:00 AM

Fans can also join SuperSport for a viewing at Bossa Fourways from 15h00.

Mark your calendars, rally your friends and family, and be part of the action at the official Fan Parks!

This is your chance to witness history, celebrate the beautiful game, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

A relieved New Zealand clinched a dramatic eight-run victory over the West Indies in the second semifinal of the ICC T20 Women’s World Cup at Sharjah on Friday night.

New Zealand, who gained revenge on the West Indies for a semifinal reverse in the 2016 World Cup, will now face South Africa in the final in Dubai on Sunday.

Riding into the finals 🇿🇦🐪🇳🇿

We will have a new #T20WorldCup winner on Sunday 🤩#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/Sju3jAAMiG

— ICC (@ICC) October 18, 2024

In truth, New Zealand should have wrapped this game up comfortably long before the tense climax in the final over when the West Indies had to score 15 to win.

They dropped five catches in the outfield, including Deandra Dottin (33 off 22 balls) twice.

Dottin was also caught behind off a ball that was called a wide, but TV footage established she got a thin edge.

The generous Kiwis were relieved to get the win in the end, despite Zaida James driving the first ball of the final over from Suzie Bates for four.

The opener and part-time off-spinner got it right with the rest of her deliveries as the West Indies fell eight runs short with their total on 120-8.

New Zealand’s bowlers held a vice-like grip on the West Indies batters for most of their innings.

They claimed two wickets in the powerplay in which they only conceded 25 while taking the wickets of pinch-hitter Qiana Joseph and Campbell.

Joseph briefly looked to bludgeon the bowling as she did against England, but fell to an ugly heave off spinner Eden Carson, who did particularly well to claim 3-29 in her four overs.

Skipper Hayley Matthews looked to anchor the innings, but, unable to build any momentum, lashed out desperately to seamer Lea Tahuhu to give Kerr a comfortable catch in the outfield.

West Indies' great victory opportunity came in the 16th over delivered by Tahuhu when Dottin, already reprieved three times, slog-swept three sixes with 23 coming off the over.

That left 34 needed in the final four overs but leg-spinner Kerr, New Zealand’s premier bowler, was brought back on in the next over and she immediately responded by having Dottin caught at short fine leg off a top-edged pull.

That was the key wicket and New Zealand eventually clinched victory, albeit with the kind of catching in the outfield that nearly let their opponents off the hook.

The White Ferns have booked their ticket to the BIG stage! 🚀#WhateverItTakes #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/u9ghoIC4Sv

— ICC (@ICC) October 18, 2024

DOTTIN RESTRICTS NZ 

Earlier, all-rounder Dottin grabbed 4-22 to help restrict New Zealand to 128-9 in their innings after they had won the toss and chosen to bat first.

The New Zealand batters never really got into their stride despite a solid, albeit conservative, opening partnership of 48 between Bates and Georgia Plimmer.

The pair, who, remarkably, have only conceded one wicket in the powerplay in this World Cup, reached a moderate 32 in the powerplay and 48 in 8.2 overs before Bates missed a reverse sweep off off-spinner Karishma Ramharack and was bowled.

Kerr was then missed twice in succession at long-on by Chinelle Henry, with the second miss causing her to leave the field after the ball struck her on the forehead.

🚨INJURY UPDATE🚨 (1/2)

During New Zealand’s innings, Chinelle Henry was struck in the face by the ball while attempting a catch.

After an initial assessment by our medical team, she was deemed unfit to continue in the match... pic.twitter.com/7p0lo3fo9v

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) October 18, 2024

Kerr did not profit from this, driving Dottin straight to cover immediately afterwards. Henry took no further part in the match.

Plimmer was New Zealand’s top scorer (33 off 31 balls) before she waltzed down the pitch to leg-spinner Afy Fletcher, missed the ball and was easily stumped by wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle.

Reasonably well placed on 98 for three in the 15th over, New Zealand suffered the loss of four wickets in 13 balls as Dottin carried on her good work.

But the key wicket of the innings was that of skipper Sophie Devine, who spliced a delivery from Fletcher to backward point for just 12.

Isabella Gaze (20 not out in 14 balls) tried to up the run-rate for the Kiwis, but it was the West Indian bowlers who took charge in the final five overs as the Caribbean islanders looked well pleased with their efforts.

Sadly for them, it was not quite enough.

A spirited show from the West Indies 👏#WhateverItTakes #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/RBAdbQiCmN

— ICC (@ICC) October 18, 2024

West Indies: Hayley Matthews (capt), Qiana Joseph, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Deandra Dottin, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Zaida James, Ashmini Munisar, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack

New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas

As the Proteas prepare for a second consecutive T20 World Cup final, Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies and Proteas left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba is leading the way, having become the first South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup. 

The 24-year-old, who is affectionately known as Leftie, has picked up 10wickets at the current World Cup at an average of just 10.55 with career-best figures of 4-29 against the West Indies in their tournament opener.

The Ntuzuma-raised star is currently tied with New Zealand's Amelia Kerr as the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup.

She followed up her four-wicket haul with 1-22 against England and then helped dismantle Scotland with a return of 3-12 from her four overs. In their final group match against Bangladesh Mlaba continued her wicket-taking form with 1-11 in four overs.

Mlaba was once again crucial in the Proteas restricting the dominant Australians to just 134 for five in their semifinal on Thursday. She picked up 1-31 as the Proteas chased down the score with 16 balls to spare.

Lefty has had a phenomenal tournament👏

She becomes the first Proteas Women's player to take 10 wickets in a #T20WorldCup 🔥#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/qVs0U3CvUB

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 17, 2024

Mlaba is one of the many success stories to come out of the KZNCU, Sunfoil and KZNDSAC Hub Development Programme after being introduced to cricket through this programme.

CEO of the KZN Cricket Union Heinrich Strydom describes Mlaba as one of the best examples of how important cricket development is to strengthening cricket in the country.

"Nonku might never have taken up the game and we wouldn't be sitting here with one of the best bowlers in women's T20 cricket, we are immensely proud of her,” Strydom said.

"The KZNCU, Sunfoil and KZN DSAC Hub Development Programme has become a mainstay in unearthing the next generation of talent and they continue to help introduce children to our beautiful game.

"We hope that Nonku can help the Proteas to go one better than they did in Cape Town last year and win a first World Cup trophy for South Africa."

Dolphins ladies head coach Angelique Taai said Mlaba's results are not by luck.

"I am so proud to see all the hard work that she has put in paying off again," Taai said. "She has grown as a player and got to understand the importance to continually improve to keep competing at international level.

"A big plus for her is that she just keeps her bowling very simple and spends a lot of time on her stock ball."

The Proteas will face either New Zealand or the West Indies in the final of the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

Proteas women batter Anneke Bosch produced the performance of her career as she slammed an unbeaten 74 to power her side to a stunning eight-wicket win over Australia in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday night.

Australia were pre-tournament favourites -- the Proteas had never beaten them in the T20 World Cup, including losing last year’s final against them in Cape Town, and the odds were stacked against the South Africans.

But a solid bowling and fielding effort restricted Australia to 134-4 in their 20 overs, followed by a brilliant chase spearheaded by Bosch and backed up by captain Laura Wolvaardt to power them to a brilliant win with 16 balls to spare, to reach their second consecutive T20 World Cup final.

“My heart is still racing. It was quite tough out there but I am really glad that we could get over the line and that I could finally contribute with some runs,” said Bosch after the match.

“It means a lot to us (to reach a second straight final). I can’t really describe it. But we knew we were capable of it. We had a pretty good tournament so far coming into this game. So we were quite confident.

“Our batters, like Taz (Tazmin Brits) and Wolfie (Wolvaardt) up front, have been incredible for us. As well as our bowlers who have been really good. To restrict Australia to under 140 today was really well done by our bowlers.”

𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊-𝐓𝐎-𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐒 🗣️ 🗣️

South Africa beat Australia for the first time in a #T20WorldCup to book their ticket to the final 😤🇿🇦#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/ZPiKjw4kYT

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 17, 2024

Earlier it was Bosch’s highest score in her T20 career (74* off 48 balls - 8x4; 1x6), along with Wolvaardt’s 42 off 37 (3x4; 1x6) that broke the back of the chase with a 96-run second-wicket partnership.

The Proteas' chase got off to a slow start as just four runs came off the first two overs, but two fours off the bat of Wolvaardt and a six from Brits (15) saw 21 runs come off the next two overs from Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner.

Brits then fell at the start of the fifth over, showing no foot movement as Annabel Sutherland got a ball to nip back off the seam and bowl the batter with the score 25-1.

BOSCH ASSAULT

However, that just brought Bosch in and the assault began as Wolvaardt crashed Sutherland over midwicket for four, followed by Bosch cracking back-to-back boundaries off Sophie Molineux in the sixth over, which saw the Proteas reach 43-1 at the end of the powerplay, which was the biggest against Australia in this World Cup.

A beautiful six from Wolvaardt over long-on off the bowling of Darcie Brown and a four from Bosch off Georgia Wareham allowed them to take 10 runs each off the next two overs as they continued their charge, before slowing down a touch as they reached 74-1 at the halfway mark.

Bosch decided to unleash the shackles in the 12th over as she slog swept a four and pumped a six over deep mid-wicket off Wareham as 12 runs came off it.

That was followed by a Wolvaardt boundary and two fours from Bosch off Gardner. The Aussies gave up 15 runs in the 13th over, which also saw Bosch reach her fifty and the Proteas pass the hundred run mark.

Anneke Bosch, take a bow 🥲👏

She earns the ICC Player of the Match 💯🥇#T20WorldCup #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/Jnw81345T3

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 17, 2024

Australia finally got the breakthrough at the end of the 15th over, as Wolvaardt tried to hit Sutherland over mid-off but only offered an easy catch to captain Tahlia McGrath.

The score read 121-2, but it was too little too late for the Aussies as Bosch and Chloe Tryon (1*) easily saw the South Africans home.

The moment South Africa made HISTORY against Australia in the #T20WorldCup! 🥲🔥 #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/t0pv9cvhYD

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 17, 2024

SA BOWLERS KEEP THINGS TIGHT

At the start of the match the Proteas won the toss and put Australia in to bat, with them keeping things tight over most of the innings, before the Australians opened up over the final few overs to boost their total.

Opener Beth Mooney top scored for Australia with 44 off 42 balls (2x4), while Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the Proteas' bowlers with 2-24 in her four overs.

It was a good start to the match for the Proteas as Khaka struck with the first ball of the second over, as Grace Harris (3) slashed the ball straight to Bosch at backward point who took a great catch just off the ground, with the score 7-1.

Marizanne Kapp got in on the action in the next over as Wareham (5) tried to cut a wide ball but got an edge through to keeper Sinalo Jafta.

At first the umpire didn't raise the finger, but the Proteas reviewed and the call was overturned, leaving the Aussies wobbling on 18-2 after two overs.

Mooney and McGrath (27) had to rebuild and took their side to 35-2 at the end of the powerplay, which was their lowest powerplay score of the World Cup so far, and then to 53-3 by the 10 over mark.

Needing to pick up the rate both batters started trying to accelerate, but McGrath popped an easy catch to Annerie Dercksen off the bowling of Nonkululeko Mlaba at the start of the 13th over as they slipped to 68-3.

𝐀𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄 🗣️ 🗣️ 🗣️

Mlaba takes South Africa's third wicket of the semi-final ⚡

She is now joint first place for the most wickets taken in the tournament 🤝

📺 Stream #T20WorldCup on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/r2qTjTI65i

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 17, 2024

Mooney seemed to be getting into her stride and was looking dangerous when she hit the ball straight back to bowler Kapp towards the end of the 17th over.

She set off for a quick single before turning back, but Kapp was quicker as she ran her out, leaving the Australians struggling on 99-4.

That brought in Phoebe Litchfield, 16 not out off nine balls (3x4), to join Ellyse Perry, 31 off 23 (2x4), and they boosted the total with 31 runs off the last three overs.

That included Perry being dropped on the boundary by Brits off Mlaba in the 19th over.

Brits though made amends with a top catch on the boundary off Khaka’s final ball of the innings to remove Perry.

The Proteas have pulled off a stunning heist in Dubai to enter the final 🤩#AUSvSA #T20WorldCup #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/ztK11WHlxD

— ICC (@ICC) October 17, 2024

A Women's #T20WorldCup final without Australia for the first time in 15 years 😯#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/FvGWALbzda

— ICC (@ICC) October 17, 2024

AUSTRALIA: Beth Mooney (wk), Grace Harris, Ellyse Perry, Ash Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath (capt), Georgia Wareham, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

The stage is set for a blockbuster ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal as the Proteas Women take on six-time champions Australia at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday evening.

The match, scheduled to start at 6pm local time (4pm SAST) and broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand (Ch. 201), will see South Africa aiming to reach their second consecutive T20 World Cup final.

Tomorrow, the Proteas Women step onto the world stage for the #T20WorldCup semi-final! 🇿🇦🏏🌍

No challenge too big, no dream too far—because we are #ALWAYSRISING! 💪🔥

FOR ME. FOR HER. FOR THEM. FOR ALL. FOR SOUTH AFRICA. FOR THE PROTEAS
💚💛#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/ObKK1EK88m

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 16, 2024

Historically, Australia have dominated this fixture, winning nine of the ten T20 Internationals (T20I) between the two sides, including a 19-run victory in the final of last year’s T20 World Cup.

However, South Africa's sole win against the Aussies in the format came in January this year, a six-wicket victory in Canberra, providing a significant confidence boost heading into this high-stakes encounter.

The Proteas have also been imperious at the Dubai International Stadium, winning all three of their T20I matches at this venue during the ongoing World Cup.

United As One 🏏🌍📸

Every challenge, every game, we rise together. Now to conquer the semi-final on Thursday!

Let’s make history, Proteas Women! 💪🖼️#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #T20WorldCup #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/RUnq3zwQ9A

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 16, 2024

Captain Laura Wolvaardt believes this gives her side confidence going into the game.

"It’s a massive game for us. It brings back memories of facing Australia in the final last year, but a lot has happened since then. The win against them earlier this year gives us positive energy, knowing that if we play our best cricket, they are beatable."

Wolvaardt also highlighted the difference in approach from last year’s tournament:

"We’ve had a year of experience and some changes in the team. Fresh faces and ideas, particularly with the new coaching staff, bringing a different energy. It’s been a bit of an up-and-down year, but I feel like we’ve hit our stride in this World Cup, and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow."

WOLVAARDT-BRITS PARTNERHIP CRUCIAL FOR SA

For South Africa, the in-form opening partnership between Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits has been crucial, with the duo amassing 237 runs at an average of 79, the highest of any pair in the competition.

They are just 63 runs shy of becoming the first pair to score 300+ runs in multiple editions of the tournament.

Australia’s depth remains a key challenge, with Wolvaardt acknowledging their ability to bounce back even after losing wickets:

"Their depth is just incredible, and they’ve gone to (batter) eight and nine quite a few times. Tomorrow, it will be about controlling that run rate as much as we can and matching up smartly against their line-up."

Spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba will also be one to watch for South Africa, needing just one more wicket to become the first South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a Women’s T20 World Cup tournament, and three wickets to join an elite group of bowlers with 50 career T20I wickets.

Though Australia come into the match as favourites, Wolvaardt emphasised the importance of focusing on their own game:

"It’s easy to get swept up in Australia’s achievements, but at the end of the day, if we play a good game of cricket, I believe we have the talent to beat them. T20 cricket is a bit crazy sometimes, anything can happen, and we just need to keep our focus simple and on ourselves."

The @ProteasWomenCSA won their first-ever #T20WorldCup semi-final in 2023 🔥

Can they go back-to-back with another win on Thursday? 👀#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/h5gV83cYPo

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 16, 2024

Proteas Women Squad - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (United Arab Emirates):

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

Traveling Reserve

Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State)

* Uncapped

FIXTURES

Thursday, 17 October at 4pm: Australia v South Africa (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

Friday, 18 October at 4pm: West Indies v New Zealand (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)

Sunday, 20 October at 4pm SAST: Final (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)

The West Indies have proven their doubters wrong by reaching Friday's Women's T20 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, but have their sights set on repeating their 2016 triumph.

The Caribbean side have been knocked out in the group stage in the past two editions and they may have feared a repeat after losing their opener in the United Arab Emirates to South Africa by 10 wickets.

But a magnificent victory against England, their first over the world's second-ranked team since 2018, has left them one win from the final, with only an unfancied New Zealand standing in their way.

"I think a lot of people wrote us off coming into this tournament," captain Hayley Matthews said.

"The way we've been able to go about our cricket, especially after the start we had against South Africa, we've just bounced back against Scotland, against Bangladesh.

"We haven't beat England in about six years. As far as I can remember, the last time we beat them was back in 2018, but everyone still came here with a belief and a fight and it just shows what we can do as a West Indian team."

For many years the West Indies have relied heavily on Matthews, Stafanie Taylor and Deandra Dottin.

The return of Dottin from international retirement for this tournament has been key to their success, but other players have also stepped up.

Legspinner Afy Fletcher took 3-21 against England, while opening batter Qiana Joseph clubbed a crucial 52.

The Windies have struck more sixes than any other country in the event so far, and Joseph and Matthews plundered a tournament-high 67 from the England bowlers in the powerplay.

Their ultimately comfortable chase ensured they finished top of Group B, avoiding a last-four meeting with red-hot favourites Australia.

New Zealand themselves have exceeded expectations by making the semis, largely courtesy of a victory over India, who were tipped to be title contenders.

- Australia power on -

Australia, bidding for a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title, have cruised into the knock-out phase, taking their winning streak in the tournament to 15 matches along the way.

The six-time champions face South Africa in Dubai on Thursday in a repeat of the 2023 final.

They have been hit by injuries, though, with bowler Tayla Vlaeminck leaving the squad after suffering a shoulder injury.

Australia's main worry is the fitness of captain and opener Alyssa Healy, who missed the crucial group win over India earlier this week with a foot injury and whose participation in the knockouts remains in doubt.

"We've been really trying to get around each other as a group, whether it be the injured girls, the girls playing slightly different roles, and just really sticking together as a group and focusing on the job at hand," said stand-in skipper Tahlia McGrath.

South Africa are playing in the semifinals for a third successive T20 World Cup and will be confident of pushing Australia after a narrow defeat on home soil in the final last year.

The final standings have been confirmed in Group B of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, with West Indies and South Africa qualifying for the semifinals.

Three teams were in the equation for qualification for the semifinals right up until the start of the second innings of the last match of the group.

But the West Indies’ remarkable batting display saw them seal top spot, with South Africa also going through and England crashing out.

This is how it ends in Group B 👇

West Indies and South Africa join Australia and New Zealand in the #T20WorldCup semi-finals 🔥#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/qiG0A23nZq

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 15, 2024

Here’s how each team finished:

Group B

1. WEST INDIES (6 points | +1.536 NRR)

The West Indies are a dangerous proposition when they click with the bat, and have the top-order power to take down the best in the world.

And they showed exactly that in their astonishing performance against England to win Group B and seal top spot.

Hayley Matthews said after the game that her team are coming into form at precisely the right moment, and it’s hard to disagree with her.

New Zealand are up next in an intriguing semifinal in Sharjah.

The moment the Proteas Women found out they will advance to the #T20WorldCup semi-final 🥹🇿🇦 #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/Ls8SNskIyH

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 15, 2024

2. SOUTH AFRICA (6 points | +1.382)

South Africa’s job was done long before their semifinal place was eventually confirmed during the match between England and West Indies.

The margin of the Proteas’ crushing win over Scotland gave them a huge boost in NRR terms, and that proved crucial in the end.

Defending champions Australia await in the semifinals.

3. ENGLAND (6 points | +1.091 NRR)

Heather Knight’s England end the group stage as the only team to have won three games and not made it to the semifinals.

In hindsight, perhaps England could have gone harder earlier in the group to give themselves some net run rate leeway, with that factor being ultimately what cost them.

But it won’t really feel like that in the moment. England knew that a win over West Indies in the final group game would have seen them progress as group winners. And there will be plenty to look at following the tournament-ending loss, not least how they appeared to lose their composure in the field when put under pressure.

4. BANGLADESH (2 points | -0.844 NRR) – Eliminated

Bangladesh ended a decade-long wait for a win at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the tournament opener against Scotland.

But that result wasn’t enough to boost Nigar Sultana’s side to further wins, despite some excellent individual performances, not least from the captain herself.

Three straight losses, to England, West Indies and South Africa proved terminal to the Tigresses hopes of qualifying for the semifinals, with their campaign ending at the group stage once again.

Bangladesh have yet to reach the knockout stages of a Women’s T20 World Cup, but showed plenty of reasons to be positive for the future in this tournament.

5. SCOTLAND (0 points | -3.129 NRR) – Eliminated

Scotland were making their first-ever appearance at an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and showed flashes of quality in their four defeats.

There were some impressive individual performances too, with the talented Bryce sisters, Sarah and Kathryn, showing plenty of potential.

The challenge now for Scotland will be to get back onto the biggest stage for a chance to build on these first steps.

𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐒 ➡️

The Proteas Women cruise into the knockout round of the #T20World Cup 🇿🇦

#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/NpabeqKX8A

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 15, 2024

SEMI-FINAL SCHEDULE:

First semifinal: 17 October (16:00pm CAT) - Australia v South Africa, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Second semifinal: 18 October (16:00pm CAT) - West Indies v New Zealand, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

An opening blitz by Qiana Joseph and Hayley Matthews helped West Indies thrash England by six wickets and storm into the semifinals of the Women's T20 World Cup on Tuesday.

Joseph smashed 52 for her first T20 international half-century and skipper Matthews hit a 38-ball 50 as West Indies overhauled England's 141-7 with 12 balls to spare.

South Africa also made it to the last four from Group B while England were eliminated from the competition.

"Incredibly proud of the group. Up against the odds tonight but to put up a performance like that with the bat, with Joseph scoring her first T20I fifty - what a time to do that," said Matthews.

"We have been chasing (before in this tournament) and we back ourselves to knock off whatever runs are put on the board."

Ladies and gentlemen, your T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finalists 🥳 pic.twitter.com/O3LY2m1Z81

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 15, 2024

Matthews launched the West Indies chase with aplomb, hitting a six and two boundaries in the first over by Lauren Bell.

Joseph too joined the party, smashing left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone for two fours in a row as West Indies raced to 55-0 in five overs.

Matthews picked Charlie Dean for some special treatment, dispatching the ball over the square leg fence for three boundaries in the sixth over.

England were sloppy in the field, dropping as many as five regulation catches.

𝐖𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐈-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 ➡️

They defeat England for the first time since 2018 to book their place in the knockouts in the #T20WorldCup ⚡#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/rvJiq7tHrI

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 15, 2024

Joseph, named player of the match, was dismissed in the 13th over after hitting two sixes and six fours in her 38-ball innings.

Matthews also departed soon after but Deandra Dottin made 27 to give West Indies their first win against England in 14 matches and the first away from home in 10 years.

"Credit to them, they came at us hard, played the conditions well and put us under the pump. Tough to take but credit to Hayley and her team," said England skipper Heather Knight.

"We bowled too short and they played it well."

Put in to bat, England lost Danni Wyatt-Hodge (16) early with the opener being caught brilliantly just inches off the ground by Dottin (1-16) off Matthews (2-35).

Dottin was in the thick of action soon again when she ran out Alice Capsey for one with a sharp one-handed throw to wicketkeeper Shemaine Campbelle.

England suffered another blow as opener Maia Bouchier (14) was caught off legspinner Afy Fletcher (3-21) at extra cover, reducing the side to 34-3 by the seventh over.

Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt (57) helped rebuild the innings, sharing 46 runs for the fourth wicket.

After Knight retired hurt on 21 with a calf strain, Fletcher removed Amy Jones (7) and Charlie Dean (5) in successive overs.

Sciver-Brunt was the most impressive among the England batters, hitting five fours in her unbeaten 50-ball knock.

Some fine bowling from Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson propelled New Zealand into the semifinals of the Women's T20 World Cup with a 54-run thrashing of Pakistan in their last group match on Monday.

Offspinner Carson, who was named player of the match, took 2-7 from her three overs while Kerr ended with 3-14 as New Zealand bowled out Pakistan for just 56 in 11.4 overs.

New Zealand, who posted 110-6 off their 20 overs, became the second team from Group A to make it to the last four after holders Australia who finish on top.

Eden Carson was on top of her game against Pakistan, recording figures of 2/7 in Dubai 👏

She's the @aramco POTM winner 🥇 #T20WorldCup | #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/C796dPnhjo

— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2024

Defeat marked the end of Pakistan's hopes of qualifying and meant that India were also eliminated, paying the price for their opening 58-run defeat by New Zealand.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," said New Zealand captain Sophie Devine.

"We will certainly celebrate tonight but this is just the next stage of a tournament we are looking forward to."

Pakistan needed to reach the target in just 10.4 overs if they were to improve their net run rate enough to overhaul the White Ferns in the table.

New Zealand seal semi-final spot with a thumping win over Pakistan 🇳🇿👌#WhateverItTakes #PAKvNZ

📝: https://t.co/TCPW5fDBHI pic.twitter.com/3GDf4lnrk1

— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2024

But they started their chase on a shaky note, losing openers Aliya Riaz, promoted up to opener, for nought and Muneeba Ali (15) inside the first five overs.

It was downhill thereafter, with Sadaf Shamas (two) being clean bowled by Fran Jonas and Iram Javed (three) being run out by a direct throw from Lea Tahuhu.

Through to the semi-finals in style 🤩

New Zealand become the second team after Australia to make the final four of the Women's #T20WorldCup 2024 🔥#PAKvNZ #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/TRur6jHETT

— ICC (@ICC) October 14, 2024

Reduced to 28-5 at the end of powerplay, Pakistan never recovered.

Skipper Fatima Sana, who was back with the team after flying home briefly to Pakistan following the death of her father, played a lone hand, making 21 in a lost cause.

"We were good with the ball but we have to improve our batting and fielding," said Sana reflecting on the eight catches that Pakistan put down.

"We were not up to the mark. I think our seniors should step up in these kinds of matches."

New Zealand were off to a steady start after electing to bat first, with Suzie Bates (28) and Georgia Plimmer (17) sharing 41 runs for the opening wicket.

But Pakistan struck soon after the powerplay, dismissing both openers and Kerr (nine) in quick succession.

Pakistan paid the price for their sloppy fielding with Sidra Amin dropping a sitter off Nida Dar when Sophie Devine was on 14.

Devine, though, failed to capitalise and was scooped up by Sana at long on off Sadia Iqbal for 19.

Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu was the most successful bowler, picking up 3-18, including the wicket of Brooke Halliday for 22.

Holders Australia overcame the absence of skipper Alyssa Healy to edge India in a tense nine-run win on Sunday that locked up a semifinal spot in the Women's T20 World Cup.

Tahila McGrath led six-time winners Australia in Sharjah after Healy dropped out with a foot injury suffered batting in a victory over Pakistan on Friday.

Healy's replacement Grace Harris top-scored with 40 and McGrath hit 32 as Australia posted 151-8 after electing to bat first.

In reply, India finished on 142-9 with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur hitting an unbeaten 54 as she put on a fourth-wicket stand of 63 with Deepti Sharma, who made 29, and took the fight to the final over.

India needed 14 off the last six balls, but lost four wickets as Australian bowler Annabel Sutherland gave away four runs.

The victory extended Australia's winning streak to 15 in the tournament.

Officially into the semi-finals 🇦🇺

Defending champions Australia have booked a spot in the final four at the Women's #T20WorldCup 2024 👏

🔗: https://t.co/Age8AqguVR#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/Gini28Jrt3

— ICC (@ICC) October 13, 2024

They officially qualified for their ninth straight semifinal of the tournament when India were 74-3 in 10.4 overs of their chase.

India need arch-rivals Pakistan to win their final group match against New Zealand.

If New Zealand win, they will take second place in Group A and reach the semis. A Pakistan win would leave them, India and the Kiwis all on four points and net run-rate would decide who advances.

Medium-pace bowler Renuka Singh rocked Australia early with two wickets on succesive balls to send back Beth Mooney, for two, and Georgia Wareham, for a duck.

Harris steadied the innings in a 62-run stand with McGrath, who led from the front with a 26-ball 32 including four fours.

Ellyse Perry smashed 32 off 23 deliveries to drive the innings. She put on a brisk stand of 33 for the sixth wicket with Phoebe Litchfield, who hit an unbeaten 15 and finished the innings with a six.

Offspinner Deepti took two wickets, including Harris and Perry, and nearly had Litchfield lbw.

The left-handed Litchfield went for a switch hit and the ball hit her pads from outside the leg-stump for a southpaw, but India protested the call to be considered for a right-hander after the change of stance.

The batter was walking off but came back smiling after the third official ruled her not out.

Australia fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck was earlier ruled out of the rest of the tournament after she dislocated her shoulder against Pakistan.

Openers Maia Bouchier and Danni Wyatt-Hodge put on an unbeaten century partnership as England hammered debutants Scotland by 10 wickets at the Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday.

England restricted Scotland to 109-6 in 20 overs after left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone returned figures of 2-13 in a disciplined bowling attack in Sharjah.

England romped home with 10 overs to spare as Bouchier hit 62 off 34 deliveries, earning herself player of the match honours as her team closed in on a semifinal spot.

A third successive win sent England top of Group B ahead of South Africa, who have three wins out of four, and the West Indies.

England face the West Indies on Tuesday in Dubai to decide the two semifinalists from the group.

"Just try and win, exactly the same way we have approached (the tournament so far)," skipper Heather Knight said of their last group game against the West Indies.

"You want to keep winning, keep that momentum and we want to go again, get some momentum and make it to the semis."

Scotland, who ended winless after qualifying for the tournament for the first time, and Bangladesh had already bowed out of the 10-team competition.

"Pretty tough tournament in general but a massive honour to be here and to be leading the team out in a tournament like this," skipper Kathryn Bryce said. "Only learnings to be taken from here."

Bouchier came out firing and started the chase with three successive fours, reaching her fifty in 30 balls with another boundary off Katherine Fraser.

Wyatt-Hodge smashed 51 off 26 balls in a commanding display by the 2009 champions.

Scotland made a strong start to their innings with Sarah Bryce steering the team to 38-0 in the eighth over before medium-pace bowler Nat Sciver-Brunt broke through.

Sciver-Brunt dismissed opener Saskia Horley for 13 and Ecclestone soon had Bryce stumped for 27 to slow Scotland.

Kathryn Bryce, Sarah's elder sister, then attempted to take on the attack with her 28-ball 33, but her departure saw Scotland slip further as wickets fell regularly.

Lorna Jack-Brown was bowled for a duck by Lauren Bell in the batter's last international match and after the loss walked off the field with tears in her eyes.

Skipper Alyssa Healy has been ruled out of Australia's key group clash against India in the Women's T20 World Cup with Tahila McGrath leading the team on Sunday.

Healy adds to Australia's injury list in Sharjah after fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck was earlier ruled out of the rest of the tournament after she dislocated her shoulder in the previous win.

Healy retired hurt while batting against Pakistan because of an injury to her right foot.

Grace Harris and Darcie Brown have come into the team in place of Healy and Vlaeminck.

The Proteas women made easy work of their below-par chase as they cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup pool match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Saturday night.

After Bangladesh won the toss and were restricted to 106/3 batting first after a relatively disciplined Proteas bowling effort, Tazmin Brits, 42 off 41 balls (5x6) and Anneke Bosch (25) set up the win with a 53-run second-wicket partnership.

Marizanne Kapp (14*) and Chloe Tryon (13*) then put the finishing touches on the chase with an unbeaten 26-run fourth-wicket stand to take them over the line with 16 balls to spare.

The win moves the Proteas to the top of pool B, but England still have two more pool games and the West Indies have one left, so they have not sealed their place in the semifinals as of yet.

Job done in Dubai ✅

Now all eyes shift to England and West Indies in the race for a semi-final berth 👀#HereForHer | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/QjeXzViwzg

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) October 12, 2024

“It was really good to get the win. I think the way we started with the ball, Kappie and Aya (Ayobonga Khaka) were absolutely excellent and (Nonkululeko) Mlaba was amazing again,” said captain Laura Wolvaardt after the match.

“We would have liked to chase it (the target) down a bit quicker. We did try, that was the message that went out. We didn’t quite manage that, but I think the win is the main thing.

“I guess we now have to wait around for the other results and hopefully we have done enough to get the (semifinal) spot.”

The Proteas' chase got off to a decent start as 17 came off the first two overs, but Wolvaardt (7) didn’t look very comfortable and after being dropped in the second over, was stumped by keeper Nigar Sultana off the bowling of Fahima Khatun with the score 23/1.

That brought Bosch in to join Brits and they eased the Proteas to 36/1 at the end of the powerplay, before Brits received a reprieve as she was dropped on 21 on the boundary by Khatun, off the bowling of Rebeya Khan.

They took their side to 63/1 at the halfway mark, and just as they were trying to open up to try boost their net run rate prospects, both betters fell in quick succession.

Bosch reverse swept Khatun straight to Nahida Akter at backward point, and Brits was bowled by Ritu Moni, as they slipped to 81/3 in the 14th over, but Kapp and Tryon were untroubled taking them home in the end.

A calm and steady knock of 42 from Tazmin Brits took South Africa to victory against Bangladesh 👏

She's the @aramco POTM winner 🏅 #T20WorldCup | #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/7mRFNQbOTl

— ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2024

DECENT BOWLING EFFORT

In the first innings the Proteas bowlers put in a decent effort, but will be disappointed having not taken as many wickets as they would have liked, while they also conceded 11 wides which boosted Bangladesh’s total.

It was, however, the perfect start to the match for them as star allrounder Kapp had opener Dilara Akter out for a second-ball duck, with her getting an edge to keeper Sinalo Jafta.

Some tight bowling from Kapp and Khaka kept Bangladesh very quiet over the rest of the powerplay as they finished their first six overs on 21/1.

Opener Shathi Rani (19) had struggled particularly, only scoring seven off her first 25 balls, but she was then dropped by Khaka off the bowling of Nadine de Klerk, which allowed her to hit a boundary and slog a six over wide long on off Annerie Dercksen in the eighth over.

But Dercksen got her revenge a few balls later having Rani well caught by Bosch running in off the boundary, as they slipped to 36/2 before reaching the halfway mark on 43/2.

Sobhana Mostary (38) and Sultana (32*) struggled to score at a decent rate, but managed to combine for a 45-run stand off 55 balls as they tried to give themselves a platform to fire from.

At the start of the 18th over Mostary came down the wicket at spinner Mlaba, missed and was bowled leaving them on 81/3.

Some good running between the wickets and a couple of boundaries off the bat of Sultana then gave Bangladesh a slight boost at the end of their innings as 23 came off the last two overs to get them over the hundred run mark.

The Women's #T20WorldCup semi-final race in Group B becomes a three-way tussle with South Africa's win over Bangladesh 👀

Standings ➡ https://t.co/4ynCZ5Os1x#BANvSA pic.twitter.com/tI9eTjxgkA

— ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2024

BANGLADESH: Shathi Rani, Dilara Akter, Sobhana Mostary, Nigar Sultana (capt & wk), Shorna Akter, Murshida Khatun, Ritu Moni, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, Marufa Akter

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka