T20 World Cup: South African Cricketers in Tears After Stunning Australia to Enter Final; Alyssa Healy Shell Shocked | WATCH

The South Africa women’s team sought the sweetest revenge from mighty Australia, knocking them out of the ongoing T20 World Cup in the UAE. The Proteas Women aced the semi-final by 8 wickets to make it to the second consecutive final of the coveted event, aiming to clinch a first-ever ICC title for the country.

Set 135 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 skipper Laura Wolvaardt (42). On the other hand, defending champions Australia had been the odds-on favourites to win a seventh title in the United Arab Emirates. However, they had no answer to South Africa for whom this marked a measure of revenge for defeat by Australia in last year’s final in Cape Town.

Emotions were galore at the Dubai International Stadium after South Africa cruised into the finals. Bosch and Chloe Tryon were elated to have sealed a victory for the team whereas the likes of Marizanne Kapp and Annerie Dercksen were in tears.

“I’ve no nails left,” said Kapp while speaking to Tryon after the victory.

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

“It was quite tough out there but I’m really glad we could get over the line and that I could finally contribute with some runs,” said Bosch who was named Player of the Match.

“I can’t describe it but we knew we were capable of it and we had a pretty good tournament so far coming into this game and we were quite confident,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Australian camp was numb and shell-shocked. The Proteas finally broke their unbeaten streak of 15 T20 World Cup games. Alyssa Healy, who was sidelined with a calf injury, was visibly dejected and so were the other players who have been in terrific form throughout the tournament.

In Sunday’s final, which will be the first not to feature one of Australia or England, the South Africans will face either West Indies or New Zealand who meet in the second semi-final on Friday.