Australia delivered a commanding performance against South Africa, cruising to a seven-wicket win in their Women’s World Cup clash on Saturday, October 25, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. Alana King produced a record-breaking spell, registering the best bowling figures in the tournament’s history to singlehandedly dismantle the Proteas.
With the victory, Australia booked a semi-final date with India on October 30 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The defending champions topped the league stage with 13 points and a net run rate of +2.102. In the other semi-final, England will face South Africa on October 29 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
KING RATTLES SOUTH AFRICA
After being asked to bat first, South Africa made a steady start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits adding 31 runs for the opening wicket in 6.4 overs. Wolvaardt looked in sublime touch, taking 16 runs off Megan Schutt’s third over with four boundaries. She continued her fine form by striking consecutive fours off Kim Garth in the sixth over.
Australia vs South Africa, Women’s World Cup Highlights
However, Australia hit back strongly from the seventh over onward. Schutt got her revenge by dismissing Wolvaardt for a fluent 31 off 26 balls, laced with seven fours. Soon after, Garth removed Brits, whose lean run in the tournament persisted.
From there, Alana King took complete control, leaving South Africa no room to recover. She delivered a sensational spell of 7-2-18-7, including a devastating burst of 2.2-2-0-4. Nadine de Klerk (14) and Sinalo Jafta briefly counterattacked with a few boundaries, but King struck back to remove both.
Jafta made a brisk 29 off 17 with seven fours before King cleaned her up, and de Klerk was bowled soon after to end South Africa’s innings. Schutt, Garth, and Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with one wicket each.
More to follow.
– Ends
