In a thrilling semifinal in Dubai on Thursday night, the South African women’s cricket team defeated the reigning champions, Australia, by eight wickets, securing their place in their second consecutive final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

Having won the toss and asked Australia to bat first, the reigning champions could only generate 134/5 in their 20 overs due to a disciplined bowling performance. With 16 balls remaining, Anneke Bosch led the chase with an explosive undefeated 74 (from only 48 balls), sending South Africa home.

Earlier, Ayabonga Khaka forced Grace Harris back to the hut, while Marizanne Kapp removed Georgia Wareham to send Australia to a perilous 18/2 in the third over, proving Laura Wolvaardt’s choice to field first was justified.

But Tahlia McGrath (27 off 33 balls) and Beth Mooney (44 off 42 balls) stabilized the Australian ship of state with a 50-run partnership for the third wicket.

Even though Nonkululeko Mlaba ended the pair’s partnership in the 13th over, Ellyse Perry (31 off 23 balls), Mooney, and Phoebe Litchfield helped Australia surpass the 130-run threshold.

Ayabonga Khaka was the most successful bowler for South Africa, returning with statistics of 2/24.

Wolvaardt (42 off 37 balls) and Bosch scored 96 runs in 65 balls for the second wicket as South Africa successfully chased 135.

With more than two overs remaining, Chole Tryon needed to back Bosch after Wolbaardt was out for forty-two, enabling South Africa to get revenge on Australia for their previous edition’s decisive defeat.

In the final, South Africa will now await the victor of the West Indies vs. New Zealand encounter.

Brief scores: South Africa 135/2 in 17.2 overs (Anneke Bosch 74 not out, Laura Wolvaardt 42; Annabel Sutherland 2/26) defeated Australia 134/5 in 20 overs (Beth Mooney 44, Tahlia McGrath 27; Ayabonga Khaka 2/24).