Bosch’s Stunning Display Sees Her Stunned By Proteas
South Africa’s number three Anneke Bosch ran out of words after she produced a world-class performance when it really mattered the most to blow the defending champions Australia away in Thursday’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
Bosch scored an unbeaten 74 off 58 deliveries (8 fours, 1 six), while Laura Wolvaardt contributed 42 from 37 balls (3 fours, 1 six), as South Africa successfully chased down Australia’s total of 134/5 with 16 balls to spare.
After winning the toss and electing to bowl first, the Proteas Women made an ideal start. Ayabonga Khaka (2/24) struck early, dismissing Grace Harris (3) with a smart catch from Bosch at backward point.
In the following over, Marizanne Kapp (1/24) removed Georgia Wareham (5), leaving Australia in trouble.
“My heart is racing. 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,” Bosch said afterward on the ICC website.
“I just had to play what the conditions allowed and stick to what’s in my mind.
“It means a lot. I can’t really 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.”
Chasing 135 to secure a second consecutive final appearance, South African openers Tazmin Brits (15) and Wolvaardt laid a solid foundation, reaching 25/0 after four overs before Annabel Sutherland (2/26) bowled Brits.
Wolvaardt and Bosch brought up a 50-run partnership after taking South Africa to 74/1 after 10 overs, with both batters in dominant form.
Needing 61 runs from 60 deliveries, Wolvaadt and Bosch continued their assault, taking South Africa into triple figures.
Bosch then celebrated her maiden T20 World Cup half-century, the fastest of the tournament so far. At 121/1 in the 15th over, Australia claimed her second wicket by dismissing Wolvaardt to end the 96-run stand, with Tahlia McGrath taking a simple catch.
However, it was too little, too late for the Australians. Bosch struck yet another boundary to seal South Africa’s emphatic victory in the 18th over, securing a place in the T20 World Cup final.
Her fellow team-mate, Nonkululeko Mlaba, from Ntuzuma, became the first South African bowler to take 10 wickets in a T20 World Cup as South Africa beat Australia by eight wickets
“Anneke played her role perfectly,” captain Wolvaardt said.
“I think she just needs to give us that sort of kick in the innings from over six to 12. And that’s exactly what she did today.”
The Proteas Women will face the winners of the second semi-final between New Zealand and the West Indies in the final, scheduled for Sunday, at the Dubai International Stadium.
