It may have been a nervous wait, but the Proteas made it through to the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
With West Indies’ shock victory over favourites England in their final Group B clash on Tuesday, it meant the Proteas progressed to the last four.
England would have been one of the favourites to win the title, but instead they were eliminated by the superior Net Run-Rate of the Proteas.
South Africa will now face Australia in a rematch of the 2023 T20 World Cup final. That match of course ended in favour of the Aussies, as the Proteas could not pull off the victory in front of their home fans in Cape Town.
Came up short
On that occasion, Australia batted first and made 156/6. South Africa in reply could only manage 137/6, as Australia claimed the title by 19 runs.
On Thursday, at 4pm, in Dubai the Proteas will look to avenge that loss.
However, though England were among the favourites — Australia are the undisputed top dogs.
It would take a monumental effort from the lesser-fancied South Africa to topple Australia, but there are two factors that should help the Proteas considerably.
First is the fact that the match against Australia is not a final, but a semi. If there is still any mental scarring from that loss in the final, the pressure should be less in a contest that is not a trophy match.
Secondly, the Proteas have managed to keep much the same lineup. Key players Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta and Nonkululeko Mlaba have all gained more experience and will be better prepared for another battle against that old Aussie foe.
It would be a massive upset if the Proteas are to overcome Australia, but there’s no time like the present.