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DUBAI: Ayabonga Khaka returned economical bowling figures of 2/24 as South Africa restricted Australia to 134/5 in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Put into bat first, the defending champions had to settle for a modest total despite an anchoring knock from wicketkeeper batter Beth Mooney.
Australia had a shaky start to their innings as they lost Grace Harris (3) and Georgia Wareham (5) with just 18 runs on the board in three overs.
Following the early hiccup, stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath joined Mooney in the middle and launched a recovery.
The duo batted sensibly against a disciplined South African bowling attack and knitted an important 50-run partnership for the third wicket.
Nonkululeko Mlaba then provided a much-needed breakthrough to South Africa in the 13th over when she got rid of McGrath with a slower delivery.
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McGrath struck three boundaries on her way to a 33-ball 27.
Mooney then joined forces with veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry and propelled Australia close to the 100-run barrier before a direct hit from Marizanne Kapp drew curtains on her brilliant knock.
She remained the top-scorer for Australia with a 42-ball 44, laced up with two fours.
Perry then partnered with Phoebe Phoebe Litchfield and bolstered Australia’s total with a 35-run partnership, which culminated with the former’s dismissal on the final delivery of the innings.
Ellyse Perr scored a quick 31 off 23 balls, while Litchfield remained unbeaten on 16 off nine deliveries.
Ayabonga Khaka was the standout bowler for South Africa, picking up two wickets, while Marizanne Kapp.
It is worth mentioning here that the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be played between West Indies and New Zealand.
READ: Conway strengthens New Zealand grip after India booked on 46
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