T20 World Cup: South African cricketers in tears after surprising Australia to enter final; Alyssa Healy Shell shocked | TO ATTEND

The South African women’s team sought the sweetest revenge on mighty Australia by knocking them out of the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The Proteas Women won the semi-final by 8 wickets to reach the second consecutive final of the coveted event, aiming to win the country’s first ICC title.

With 135 points to win, South Africa reached their target with 16 balls to spare. Anneke Bosch fired a 48-ball 74 and shared a match-winning partnership of 96 with captain Laura Wolvaardt (42). On the other hand, defending champions Australia were favorites to win a seventh title in the United Arab Emirates. However, they had no answer for South Africa, for whom this represented a measure of revenge for their defeat to Australia in last year’s final in Cape Town.

Emotions were rife at the Dubai International Stadium after South Africa reached the finals. Bosch and Chloe Tryon were jubilant after sealing the team’s victory, while the likes of Marizanne Kapp and Annerie Dercksen were in tears.

“I don’t have any more nails,” Kapp said when speaking to Tryon after the win.

Bosch had a mediocre tournament until Thursday, with a top score of 25 against Bangladesh. She posted her third fifty in T20I cricket to reach her highest total in the format and highest score in this tournament.

“It was very difficult, but I’m very happy that we surpassed the target and that we finally contributed some runs,” said Bosch, who was named Man of the Match.

“I can’t describe it, but we knew we were capable and we’ve had a really good tournament so far and we were pretty confident,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Australian camp was numb and in shock. The Proteas have finally broken their 15-match unbeaten run in the T20 World Cup. Alyssa Healy, who was sidelined with a calf injury, was visibly dejected, as were the other players who had been in excellent form throughout the tournament.

In Sunday’s final, which will be the first without Australia or England, the South Africans will face either the West Indies or New Zealand, who meet in the second semi-final on Friday.