Win Projections to be updated soon
2nd Semi-Final, Sydney, March 05, 2020, 01:30 PM
Australia Women
134/5(20.0ov)
South Africa Women
92/5(13.0ov)
Australia Women beat South Africa Women by 5 runs (D/L method)
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Meg Lanning
Commentry
Finally, a date with destiny has been fixed by Australia! Life has come full circle for this team, as the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup will be the same as the first match of the tournament. The hosts were beaten then by India but will be looking to exact revenge on the most important day of all. Do join us for what promises to be an exhilarating contest at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The match will start at 1800 Local (0700 GMT) on Sunday, 8th March 2020. Till then, cheers and take care!
Australian skipper, Meg Lanning, says that it was extremely tense and even in the last couple of balls they're not safe. Adds that there were nerves in the last over and she is happy that they ended up with the win. Mentions that they had a good total without it being great. Adds that they needed to bowl really well to get the desired result. States that it is all about calming everyone down and adds that they have been really good after the first couple of games. Goes onto say that coming back after being three down early against Sri Lanka was a great effort. Tells that India are a class side and have been playing excellent cricket and Australia will have to play really well. Feels that they just need to enjoy the final.
South African skipper, Dane Van Niekerk, is looking very upset with the loss. Says that they felt good about the target but credits Australia for the way they bowled. Lauds her own bowlers also for pulling things back in the first innings. Shares that to come short every time is not easy and she is feeling really emotional looking at her girls. States that they are a talented bunch and praises Wolvaardt for her efforts down the order. Signs off with a little bit of smile as she says that South Africa is a great place for the next World Cup and everybody will thoroughly enjoy.
MEG LANNING IS THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH for her outstanding contribution with the bat! She says that the evening was very special and that the groundsmen did a terrific job. Further says that the wicket was very skiddy and the South African bowlers did really well. Again mentions about the groundsmen and their wonderful job so that a match could be possible even after such long and heavy showers in Sydney.
Soon after the completion of the first innings, the heavens opened up and the chase was reduced to 13 overs with South Africa needing 98 to win. Australia though were motivated and brought their best game on the field. The bowling was neat and tidy and it was superbly backed up by the fielders. Megan Schutt used all her experience and bowled crucial overs at both ends of the chase. After getting reduced to 24/3, Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus led a fightback with a handy partnership but once this stand was broken, Australia piled on the pressure and secured a win. Stay tuned for the presentation...
What a day this has been! First semi-final got completely washed out and the second one was also expected to suffer the same fate. Australia's chances of qualification were hanging by a thread and in case of a no-contest, South Africa would have gone through. But the weather cleared just in time for the home team. Put to bat, Australia started well but then lost the plot. The South African bowlers applied immense pressure but Meg Lanning stuck to her guns and played a vital knock to take Australia to a challenging total. Her stumping chance was missed when she was on 24 and in hindsight, that has cost South Africa big.
What a match! Australia have pulled it off! They fought the weather, they fought the South African team and have booked a date with India in the grand finale! Don't ever let the pressure exceed the pleasure. Spare a thought for South Africa though. Once again they have faltered under pressure of the knockouts. Tears in their camp, ecstasy in the Australian camp! Emotions pouring.
12.6
2
That is it! The Aussies win. Full delivery on middle, de Klerk sweeps it to the deep backward square leg region for just a run. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 5 RUNS (DLS METHOD) AND ENTER THE FINAL!
12.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played but she needed to hit a six to have a chance to make it to the semi-finals. Only an extra can save the Proteas though! Low full toss on middle, de Klerk paddles it to the fine leg region for a boundary.
12.4
1
Floated on middle, Laura flicks it to deep mid-wicket. Nadine wants the second but Wolvaardt sends her back.
12.3
2
Nicely played and well fielded too! Floated on middle, Wolvaardt whips it towards the deep mid-wicket region. Mooney comes across and dives to make an excellent stop. Two runs.
12.2
4
FOUR! Wolvaardt is keeping the Proteas in the game! Flighted ball outside off, Wolvaardt gets forward and then plays it over the point fielder for a boundary. 15 more needed from 4 balls.
Nadine de Klerk makes her way out to the middle.
12.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Tryon departs now and Lanning takes the catch. A full toss outside off, Tryon looks to hit it hard on the off side but does not get the full connection that she would have wanted. The ball lobs towards extra cover where Meg Lanning makes no mistake and takes an easy catch to her right.
19 needed off 6 balls! Who will bowl the pressure over? Meg Lanning has plenty of options. She has entrusted Jess Jonassen to do the job.
In over# 1
6
0
1
1
0W
0
Megan Schutt 17/2(3)
11.6
6
SIX! Whacked! South Africa desperately needed this! Schutt dishes a full ball on middle. Wolvaardt stands in her crease and then whacks it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie. 19 runs required from the last over. Will we see a Super Over?
11.5
.
Well bowled! Slower ball on middle, Wolvaardt moves forward and then just drives it back to the bowler.
11.4
1
Full delivery on off, Tryon pushes it to long off for a single.
11.3
1
Full on middle, Wolvaardt drives it uppishly past the bowler and towards long on for just a single.
Chloe Tryon is the next batter in.
11.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Beth Mooney takes the catch and Luus has to walk back now! Australia surely on top! A slower ball outside off, Luus looks to go over long off for a biggie but mistimes it. The ball lobs towards long off and Mooney takes an easy catch. A huge setback for the Proteas at a crucial juncture.
11.1
.
Schutt starts wonderfully! Luus looks to shuffle to the off side and paddle but Schutt bowls a yorker and Luus misses her shot.
Megan Schutt to bowl the all-important penultimate over.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
2
1
Delissa Kimmince 16/1(3)
10.6
.
Excellent delivery to finish! Yorker outside off, Wolvaardt looks to dig it out but fails to get any bat on it. 27 required from the last two overs.
10.5
1
Slower short ball outside off, Luus pushes it to the cover region for a single.
10.4
1
Short ball on middle, Wolvaardt pulls it to long on for a single.
10.3
.
Slower delivery outside off, Wolvaardt looks to heave it away but misses to get any bat on it.
10.2
2
DROPPED! Terrific attempt though. This is not an easy chance. Full toss on off, Wolvaardt hammers it straight back. Kimmince gets her right hand on her followthrough but fails to hold on. Saved a certain boundary there. The ball rolls towards long on and the batters pick up a couple.
10.1
1
Full delivery outside off, Luus drives it to the off side for a single.
Delissa Kimmince to continue. Can she keep it tight and pull the game in Australia's favour?
In over# 1
0
2
4
4
1
0
Nicola Carey 15/0(2)
9.6
.
Length ball outside off, Wolvaardt punches it to point. We have a game as 10 overs have been completed. 32 required from the last three overs.
9.5
2
Full toss on middle, Luus works it to long on and crosses over for a couple.
9.4
4
FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Wolvaardt and this one is an even better shot! Wolvaardt looks to make room and play this one towards the off side. Carey follows her but Wolvaardt still manages to loft this one over the fielder at extra cover and fetches a boundary.
9.3
4
FOUR! Up and over! Wolvaardt has played that superbly. Full ball on off, Wolvaardt has lofted that over the fielder at mid off for a boundary.
9.2
1
Another full ball on middle, this time Luus jams it out towards long on and gets a single.
9.1
.
Carey bowls a full ball on the middle pole line, the batter makes room and digs this out towards mid off.
Nicola Carey (1-0-4-0) to bowl again. Six more balls to constitute a game.
In over# 1
1
4
1
0
1
1
Delissa Kimmince 11/1(2)
8.6
1
DROPPED! Jess Jonassen drops a tough chance! Good length ball outside off, Luus lifts it towards mid off but does not get the required elevation on it. Jess flies to her left at the edge of the circle but fails to hold on. The ball rolls to long off and the batters pick up a single. 8 from the over!
8.5
4
FOUR! Excellent from Luus! Fullish on off, Luus smashes it over the mid off fielder and finds the fence behind.
8.4
1
How did she get any bat on it? Yorker on the pads, Luus looks to flick but gets an inside edge on it. The ball rolls to fine leg and the batters pick up only a single.
8.3
.
Very good bowling! Kimmince bowls a very full ball on middle, Wolvaardt makes room but can only dig it out towards covers.
8.2
1
Full on middle, Luus whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
8.1
1
Good length ball on the pads, Wolvaardt works it to long on for a single.
Delissa Kimmince is back on. 1-0-3-1 are her figures, so far.
In over# 1
0
1
6
0
1
4
Jess Jonassen 15/0(2)
7.6
.
Outside off, punched to cover. Good over for South Africa. 12 runs from it. 51 more required from 5 overs.
7.5
1
Floated on middle, Laura works it to the deep square leg region for a single.
7.4
6
SIX! This is turning out to be a good over for the Proteas. Tossed up ball outside off, Wolvaardt powers it over the long on region for a biggie.
7.3
.
Flatter one outside off, Luus punches it to the cover region.
7.2
1
Floated on middle, swept to deep square leg for a single.
7.1
4
FOUR! South Africa need more of these! Floated on middle, Luus lunges and lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary. 59 more from 35 balls.
Jess Jonassen (1-0-3-0) is back on.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
1
1
Nicola Carey 4/0(1)
6.6
.
Full delivery on middle, Wolvaardt makes room and looks to drive. She times it well but finds the mid off fielder. 63 needed in the last 6 overs.
6.5
1
Good length ball on middle, Luus flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
6.4
1
Length ball on middle, Wolvaardt pushes it past the bowler where the mid on fielder dives to make the stop. A single taken.
6.3
.
Full delivery on off, Wolvaardt looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
6.2
1
Good length ball on off, Luus pushes it to the cover region for a single.
6.1
1
Full ball on off, driven towards cover for a single.
In over# 1
0
1
0
2nb
2
0
0
Sophie Molineux 16/1(2)
5.6
.
Short ball on off, Wolvaardt looks to pull but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the pads. Choking the flow of runs completely. Massive pressure building on the Proteas!
5.5
1
Flatter one outside off, Laura punches it to the deep cover region for a single.
5.4
.
Nothing from the Free Hit! Full on middle, Wolvaardt flicks it to mid-wicket, finds the fielder.
5.4
2nb
NO BALL! Flighted ball on middle, Luus sweeps it to deep square leg and takes a single. The third umpire has signaled it as a no ball for overstepping. Free Hit to follow...
5.3
2
Looped up ball outside off, Luus drives it uppishly towards wide of long off. The fielder comes across and cleans it up. Two taken.
5.2
.
BEATEN! Flighted ball outside off, Luus looks to drive off the front foot but fails to get any bat on it. The keeper whips the bails off but the batter was in.
5.1
.
Flatter one outside off, Luus punches it to the off side.
Sophie Molineuz is back on. 1-0-11-1, her figures so far.
In over# 1
2
0W
0
0
0
1
Delissa Kimmince 3/1(1)
4.6
2
Good length ball outside off, Laura punches it to the deep point region for a couple.
Laura Wolvaardt is the new batter in.
4.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! What a catch from Meg Lanning! South Africa are crumbling under pressure! Full delivery outside off, du Preez looks to drive but does so uppishly. It goes towards Lanning at cover who dives forward and takes an excellent catch inches above the surface. South Africa in desperate need of a partnership.
4.4
.
Full on middle, du Preez defends it to the mid on region.
4.3
.
On middle, Mignon defends it off the front foot.
4.2
.
Good length ball way outside off, du Preez cuts but finds the point fielder. She will feel that she missed out here.
4.1
1
Good length ball on the pads, Luus flicks it to fine leg for a single.
Delissa Kimmince is into the attack.
Mignon du Preez is the next batter in.
In over# 1
0W
0
2
0
1
0
Megan Schutt 9/1(2)
3.6
W
OUT! TIMBER! Megan Schutt has struck gold here as Van Niekerk, the South African skipper, departs. Good length ball around the off pole line, it pitches and moves in with movement off the surface. Van Niekerk looks to rock back and block it out but is completely bamboozled by the movement and the stumps behind are shattered. The Powerplay ends on a positive note for Australia as South Africa are 23/2.
3.5
.
Length ball on middle and off, defended off the back foot.
3.4
2
Just over! Good length ball on off, Van Niekerk just about manages to get this one over the fielder at mid off and the batters get a couple.
3.3
.
Full ball on off, swinging in, driven towards the fielder at cover.
3.2
1
On the pads now, flicked towards square leg for a single and Luus is off the mark.
3.1
.
Length delivery outside off, cut towards point where the fielder does well to stop the ball.
Megan Schutt is back into the attack now. Gave away 6 runs in her opening over.
In over# 1
0
0W
0
4
1
6
Sophie Molineux 11/1(1)
2.6
.
Good length ball outside off, Van Niekerk pushes it to the cover region. Good over from Molineux. She gave away some runs but picked up the all-important wicket of Lizelle Lee.
Sune Luus is the new batter in.
2.5
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Lee falls and Molineux does the trick in her first over! Australia need to keep picking wickets though! Flighted ball on off, Lee goes on her knees and then looks to smash it out of the ground but it takes the top edge and flies towards wide long on. Ashleigh Gardner moves to her right and takes a very good running catch. 78 runs required from 61 balls.
2.4
.
On off, punched to the off side.
2.3
4
FOUR! Beautiful batting from Lee. Floated outside off, Lee dances down and lifts it over the extra cover fielder for a boundary.
2.2
1
Flatter one outside off, Van Niekerk punches it to covers and takes a single.
2.1
6
SIX! Welcome into the attack, Molineux! Flighted ball around off, Van Niekerk moves to her off side and then slog sweeps it over the deep mid-wicket region for a maximum. There was a fielder present but she just watches the ball sail over her head.
Sophie Molineux into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
0
0
1
0
1
Jess Jonassen 3/0(1)
1.6
1
Full on middle, Van Niekerk sweeps it to square leg where the fielder makes a good stop. Saved a boundary. A single. 89 needed off 66 balls!
1.5
.
Outside off, Dane punches it to cover.
1.4
.
Flatter one on middle, Van Niekerk pushes it back to the bowler.
1.3
1
UPPISH BUT SAFE! Tossed up on middle, Lee looks to lift it over long on but does not time it well. The ball goes on the bounce to the fielder and the batters take a single.
1.2
.
Floated on off, Lee prods forward and defends it out.
1.1
1
Jonassen starts with a floated ball on off, Dane drives it to long on for a single.
Jess Jonassen to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
4
1
1
0
0
Megan Schutt 6/0(1)
0.6
.
Good length ball on off, Lee defends it to the point region and takes a single. 6 from the first over.
0.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! First boundary of the chase! Back of a length ball on middle, Lee pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
0.4
1
Length ball on middle, Van Niekerk flicks it to deep mid-wicket to get off the mark.
0.3
1
SOUTH AFRICA ARE UNDERWAY! Full on middle, Lee sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.
0.2
.
Good length ball on off, Lee moves to her off side and then looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. There is an appeal made for LBW but nothing from the umpire.
0.1
.
Schutt starts with a short of a length ball on middle, Lee pulls it but straight to the short fine leg fielder.
Okay, the prayers by the Australian players and fans have been answered as play is about to resume. The revised target is 98 runs off 13 overs. The Powerplay will be of 4 overs. 3 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 3 overs and 2 bowlers can bowl a maximum of 2. The fielders have already taken their positions and the South African opening batters, skipper Dane Van Niekerk and Lizelle Lee are out on the field as well. Megan Schutt to start the proceedings for Australia. Finally, here we go...
Update 2130 Local (1030 GMT) - The Australian players are out on the field and getting warmed up. The revised target for South Africa - 98 off 13 overs.
Update 2128 Local (1028 GMT) - Good news for all cricket fans as the rain has eased off and the covers are coming off. Let's hope that the game resumes soon with the cut-off time being just 21 minutes away. Race against time!
Update 2115 Local (1015 GMT) - It is still pouring down and the latest news that has come in is that the cut-off time for this match is 2149 Local (1049 GMT). If the match does not resume by then, South Africa will go through to the final as they have topped their group. The Australians will be hoping that the showers stop and they can have their future in their own hands. If the match does resume, the DLS target for a 10-over game is 79 runs. Everything is in the hands of the weather gods now!
Rain... South Africa... Knockout... DLS method - Connect the dots and you know best! The covers are on at the moment but we are hopeful of getting the run chase underway soon. Do keep in mind, we require at least 10 overs in the second innings to get a result. Stay tuned for latest updates...
Nadine de Klerk is down for a quick interview. Says that she came to know early in the morning today that she might play in this game. Adds it was discussed that she would bowl in the middle overs. Shares that the surface was not too bad and states that the girls bowled really well. Mentions that she is happy and excited that the girls have restricted Australia to this score on such a good batting track. Feels that with the dew around and their openers in good form, they are confident about chasing this total down. Tells that they have a very good team and a very good vibe in the group and they believe they can go all the way in this tournament.
After all the uncertainty regarding this match, we finally got underway. Australia were invited to bat first by Dane Van Niekerk and the hosts got off to a strong start. Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney then took it forward and the Aussies looked to be in control. However, the Protea bowlers bounced back by picking wickets at regular intervals to peg the opposition back. The selection of Nadine de Klerk for this crunch game turned out to be the masterstroke as she ably replaced the injured Marizanne Kapp and hunted down the wickets of Mooney, Gardner and Rachael. The touring team bowled with a lot of discipline in the middle overs to maintain a strong grip. Had the stumping chance of Meg Lanning not missed, this total could have been a lot lesser. Will that come back to haunt them?
A decent recovery by Australia to put up a respectable total on the board. They were reeling at one stage after losing four wickets near the halfway mark for only 71. The presence of their skipper, Meg Lanning, though enabled them to form a couple of vital partnerships and that has zoomed their total to 134!
19.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Lanning whips it to the deep mid-wicket for a single. AUSTRALIA END ON 134/5. It has started raining a bit as the players walk back to the dugouts. The covers are coming on.
19.5
2
Full on middle, Lanning flicks it to the deep mid-wicket for a couple. Good running.
19.4
1
Full on middle, Carey drives it towards long on for a single.
19.3
.
Slower delivery outside off, Carey looks to heave it away but misses.
19.2
1
RUN OUT CHANCE MISSED! Full delivery outside off, Lanning drives it to covers and takes off for a single. Carey obliges at first and then goes back a little. She then spots Lanning calling her for a single and decides to respond. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Had she hit, Carey was a goner. Chetty does really well to collect the ball.
19.1
1
Khaka starts the over with a full ball just outside off, Carey drives this one down to long on for a single.
In over# 1
1
1
2lb
0
1
0
Shabnim Ismail 20/0(4)
18.6
1
Another short one on middle, Carey looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes over the bowler's head. The batters take a single, before the fielder cleans it up.
18.5
1
Lucky! Very lucky! Short ball on middle, Lanning looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes up in the air. The bowler and the keeper try coming after it but the ball falls safely just near the stumps. A single.
18.4
2lb
Full delivery on the pads, Lanning looks to heave it to the leg side. She misses and gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls to short third man and both the batters cross for two leg byes!
18.3
.
Length ball on off, Lanning pushes it to deep cover for a single.
18.2
1
Short ball on middle, Carey pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
18.1
.
Slower delivery outside off, Carey looks to heave it away but fails to get any bat on it.
Shabnim Ismail (3-0-17-0) is back on to bowl the penultimate over.
In over# 1
4
1wd
4
4lb
1
1
1lb
1wd
Ayabonga Khaka 23/1(3)
17.6
4
FOUR! Excellent way to end the over. Low full toss on off, Lanning creams the drive through the cover region and picks up a boundary. 17 off the over, just what Australia needed.
17.6
1wd
Wide! Full delivery down the leg side, Lanning looks to flick but misses. Another wide.
17.5
4
FOUR! Poor bowling! Slower full toss on middle, Lanning makes room and then waits for it. She lifts it towards the deep cover region for a boundary.
17.4
4lb
FOUR LEG BYES! Valuable runs for Australia! Slower delivery down the leg side, Lanning looks to play it to the leg side but gets hit on the pads. The ball goes to the fine leg region for four leg byes.
17.3
1
Fullish outside off, Carey eases it down to long off for a run.
17.2
1
Full on middle, Lanning drives it to long on for a single.
17.1
1lb
LEG BYE! Good length ball on the pads, Carey looks to flick but misses again to get hit on the pads. The ball rolls to point and the batters steal a leg bye.
17.1
1wd
WIDE! Full delivery down the leg side, Carey looks to flick but misses. Wide signaled.
Ayabonga Khaka is back on. 2-0-11-1, her figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0
0W
Nadine de Klerk 19/3(4)
16.6
1
Full on middle, Carey flicks it to mid-wicket for a single. 4-0-19-3, what a spell! She came in as a replacement for Marizanne Kapp and has aptly filled in for her!
16.5
1
Good length ball on off, Lanning guides it towards the point region for a single.
16.4
.
NOT OUT! A big inside edge! Poor review from the Proteas. Good length ball on middle, Lanning looks to defend but it seems to have gone off the inside edge onto the pads. De Klerk and the rest put in an appeal but the umpire is unmoved. They immediately go for the review. The replays roll in and they show that there is a big inside edge on that one. Lanning is safe and sound!
Review time! Australian skipper, Meg Lanning, is the batter in question. She has been adjudged not out by the umpire but South Africa have challenged the decision regarding the lbw. Replays roll in and show a massive inside edge.
16.3
1
Good length ball on off, Carey drives it to deep cover for a single.
16.2
.
Length ball on the pads, Carey looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Nicola Carey is the new batter in.
16.1
W
OUT! TIMBER! Slower ball does the trick and Nadine de Klerk gets her third. She is having a brilliant game. De Klerk bowls this on middle, Haynes makes room and then looks to heave it away. She misses though but Nadine does not as the ball goes onto hit the stumps. The bowler is excited and rightly so.
Nadine de Klerk is back on to bowl her final over. 3-0-16-2, her figures so far.
In over# 1
1
2
1
1
1
3
Chloe Tryon 20/0(3)
15.6
1
Short on middle, Haynes pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
15.5
2
Good running. Flighted ball on middle. Haynes dances down and heaves it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple. The fielder throws it to the keeper but the batter had made her crease easily.
15.4
1
On middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single. 100 up for the hosts.
15.3
1
Short ball on middle, Haynes plays it to the deep mid-wicket region for another run.
15.2
1
Floated on off, Lanning drives it to long off for a single.
15.1
3
Excellent fielding! Flighted ball outside off, Haynes drives it uppishly towards the deep cover region. Van Niekerk runs after it and dives forward to stop the ball from reaching the ropes. Three taken.
In over# 1
0
1
1
4
0
1
Nonkululeko Mlaba 18/1(3)
14.6
.
On off, punched to cover. After 15 overs, Australia are 94/4.
14.5
1
Flatter one on middle and leg, Haynes dances down the track and flicks it to square leg for a single.
14.4
1
Flatter one on middle, Lanning defends it to point and takes a single.
14.3
4
FOUR! Lovely shot from Lanning! Floated outside off, Lanning comes down the pitch and lifts it over the cover fielder for a stunning boundary.
14.2
.
Floated on the pads, Lanning looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.
14.1
1
Floated delivery on middle and leg, pushed down to long on for a single.
Nonkululeko Mlaba is back on. 2-0-11-1, her figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
1
0
2
1wd
1
Chloe Tryon 11/0(2)
13.6
.
Punched off the back foot by the batter to covers. Yet another quiet over, Australia are 87/4! 87, hmmm... devil's number!
13.5
1
On middle, pulled to the leg side for another run.
13.4
1
Short ball on middle, Lanning pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
13.3
.
Floated on middle, Lanning pushes it back to the bowler.
13.2
2
Outside off, Lanning plays it late and guides it behind backward point for a couple.
13.2
1wd
Stumping chance missed! Chetty is not having a good evening! First a dropped chance and now a stumping. Tryon dishes a full delivery down the leg side, Lanning dances down and looks to flick but misses. Chetty fails to collect the ball, allowing Lanning to make it back to her crease. Will she make the Proteas pay for it?
13.1
1
Floated on middle, Haynes comes down and flicks it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
0
1wd
0
0
1
0
0
Shabnim Ismail 17/0(3)
12.6
.
Length ball around off, pushed towards point. South Africa applying relentless pressure.
12.6
1wd
WIDE! Fullish ball down the leg side, Lanning looks to heave it to the leg side but fails to get any bat on it.
12.5
.
Play and a miss! Short ball outside off, Lanning looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
12.4
.
Full delivery on off, Lanning defends it to point where Lizelle Lee makes a good stop. No run.
12.3
1
Good length ball on middle, Haynes flicks it to mid-wicket and takes off for a single. The fielder runs ahead and throws it to the stumps but misses. Would not have mattered though.
12.2
.
BOUNCER! It is bowled around middle and leg, Haynes ducks under it.
12.1
.
Appeal turned down! Ismail dishes a full delivery on the pads, Haynes looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Shabnim roars in an appeal but the umpire is not interested. Missing leg stump probably.
Shabnim Ismail is back into the attack. 2-0-15-0 are her figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
1
1
1
0
Chloe Tryon 5/0(1)
11.6
1
On off, punched to the long off region for a single. 5 runs come off the over. Extremely slow going for the hosts as they are trying to recover.
11.5
1
Tossed up on off, Lanning looks to drive but gets an outside edge towards third man for a single.
11.4
1
Flighted on middle, Haynes plays a reverse paddle towards short third man. Only a single.
11.3
1
Full on middle and leg, Lanning works it towards deep square leg. They think of a couple but decide against it. A single taken eventually.
11.2
1
The batter has flicked the ball off her pads. They pick up a single.
11.1
.
Tryon starts with a flatter ball on middle, Haynes pushes it back to the bowler.
Chloe Tryon is into the attack now.
In over# 1
1
1
0
1
0W
1
Nadine de Klerk 16/2(3)
10.6
1
Good length ball on middle and leg, Haynes tucks it to backward square leg to keep strike for the next over.
10.5
1
Full on off, Lanning drives it through mid off for a single.
10.4
.
Short delivery outside off, Lanning cuts it to the point fielder.
10.3
1
Good length ball on the pads, Haynes flicks it to fine leg for a single.
Rachael Haynes is the next batter in.
10.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Another one bites the dust and Nadine de Klerk is on fire at the moment. Two wickets for her in back-to-back overs. She dishes a full delivery outside off, Gardner looks to drive without moving her feet and gets a thin outside edge towards the keeper. Chetty, this time, makes no mistake. The Proteas start celebrating and the finger goes up. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there was a very faint outside edge.
10.1
1
Length ball around off, Lanning guides it to third man for a single.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
0W
Nonkululeko Mlaba 11/1(2)
9.6
.
Flatter one outside off, Gardner punches it off the back foot towards point. 70/3 at the halfway mark!
9.5
1
Short on middle, Lanning pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
9.4
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Lanning dances down and pushes it back to the bowler.
9.3
.
Flatter one outside off, Lanning pushes it to the cover region.
9.2
.
Floated on off, Lanning defends it out.
Ashleigh Gardner is the next batter in.
9.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Shabnim Ismail takes the catch and Jess Jonassen departs early on in her innings. Floated delivery on the middle and leg pole, Jonassen steps down the track looking to go over the fielder at long on. She does not time it perfectly though and Ismail takes an easy catch running in from the deep. South Africa roaring in this match.
Nonkululeko Mlaba (1-0-10-0) returns in action.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0W
1
4
Nadine de Klerk 12/1(2)
8.6
.
Full on middle, Lanning pushes it back to the bowler. Successful over from Nadine de Klerk comes to an end.
8.5
1
On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.
8.4
.
An appeal for LBW turned down. Good length ball on the pads, Jonassen looks to flick but misses. She gets hit on the pads and the bowler puts in an appeal for LBW but the umpire turns it down. Very optimistic. Going down the leg side even to the naked eye.
Jess Jonassen is the new batter in, replacing Beth Mooney. Promotion?
8.3
W
OUT! TIMBER! The dangerous Mooney goes and de Klerk provides the breakthrough. A budding stand is broken. De Klerk bowls a good length ball on the pads, Mooney dances down the track and then looks to flick but the ball passes between the pad and bat. The ball goes on to uproot the leg stump. Mooney was looking good but now she has to depart. De Klerk is all pumped up!
8.2
1
Well timed! Full delivery outside off, Lanning drives it crisply through the covers but there is a fielder stationed in the deep. Only a single.
8.1
4
FOUR! Pulled away! Back of a length ball on middle, Lanning rocks back and pulls this towards square leg for a boundary.
In over# 1
1
6
2
0
1
0
Dane Van Niekerk 21/0(2)
7.6
1
Full on middle, Lanning sweeps it to deep square leg to keep strike for the next over.
7.5
6
SIX! Right from the middle! Lovely timing from the Aussie skipper! Tossed up ball outside off, Lanning dances down the track and lifts it over the long off fielder for a biggie. She is all class and elegance!
7.4
2
Flighted ball outside off, Lanning drives it towards the deep cover region for a couple.
7.3
.
A bit of indecision! Floated on middle, Lanning looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to the leg side and Mooney wants the single but Meg sends her back. Van Niekerk picks up the ball and then has a shy at her end but misses. The dive probably would have saved her.
7.2
1
Short ball outside off, Mooney punches it wide of long off for a single.
7.1
.
Floated on off, Mooney dances down the track and then flicks it but cannot go past the mid-wicket fielder.
In over# 1
0
1
1wd
1
2
0
1
Nadine de Klerk 6/0(1)
6.6
.
Fullish ball on middle, Lanning defends it out. 5 from de Klerk's first over.
6.5
1
Length ball on middle, Beth tucks it towards square leg for a single.
6.5
1wd
WIDE! Full delivery down the leg side, Mooney looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it. Wide signaled.
6.4
1
On middle, Meg blocks it to the cover region and takes a quick single.
6.3
2
Good length ball outside off, Lanning guides it down to the third man region. Khaka comes across and cleans it up. Two taken. 50 up for the hosts.
6.2
.
Full delivery outside off, Lanning pushes it to the point fielder.
6.1
1
Good length ball on middle, Mooney flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a single.
Nadine de Klerk comes into the attack after the completion of Powerplay.
In over# 1
1
4
1
0
1
4
Dane Van Niekerk 11/0(1)
5.6
1
Tossed up ball on off, Mooney defends it to cover and takes a single. 48/1 after the Powerplay! Good one for the Aussies.
5.5
4
FOUR! Nicely played! Mooney converts this ball into a full toss and creams her drive through the extra cover region for a boundary.
5.4
1
Flatter one around off, Lanning pushes it to the deep cover region for a single.
5.3
.
OHH! Much better from van Niekerk! Flights this one outside off, Lanning looks to defend but gets an inside edge, onto the pads.
5.2
1
Loopy one on middle, Beth pushes it down to long on for a single.
5.1
4
FOUR! Poor delivery to start from the skipper! She tosses this one down the leg side, Mooney bends on her knees and then sweeps it to the fine leg region for a boundary.
Bowling change. Dane Van Niekerk brings herself into the attack.
In over# 1
2
1wd
0
0W
1
0
4
Ayabonga Khaka 11/1(2)
4.6
2
On a length outside off, Lanning gets off the mark by guiding this down to the third man region for a couple. A successful over comes to an end from Khaka.
4.6
1wd
Wide! Down the leg side, Lanning looks to flick but fails to get any bat on it. Wide signaled.
4.5
.
Length ball on off, Lanning defends it to point off the front foot.
Meg Lanning, the skipper, is the new batter in.
4.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Massive blow! Healy does not last long after the drop from Chetty. Fullish delivery on middle, Healy flicks it uppishly towards mid-wicket. Dane van Niekerk hops up in the air and takes the catch safely inside the ring. Healy has got Australia off to a start. Not much reaction from the skipper, like the one she showed during the dropped catch. 100th international wicket for Khaka!
4.3
1
Fullish delivery on the off stump line, Mooney uses her feet and pushes it towards the mid off region for a single.
4.2
.
Slower delivery on off, Mooney defends it towards the point region.
4.1
4
FOUR! Excellent use of the feet! Full delivery outside off, Mooney dances down the track and drives it through the cover region for a boundary.
Change of ends for Ayabonga Khaka.
In over# 1
0
4
4
1lb
1
1
Nonkululeko Mlaba 10/0(1)
3.6
.
DROPPED! Mlaba gives this one extra flight and serves it a little short and close to off. Healy moves back to cut but gets a fat outside edge. Trisha Chetty, the keeper, fails to hold onto it and Alyssa gets a life. 11 from the over, the Aussies are picking the pace now.
3.5
4
FOUR! Smashing shot again from the blade of Alyssa Healy. She is yet again showing strong form. Uses her feet to get to the pitch of the ball and blazes it past the bowler for a boundary at long off. That reached the fence in the blink of an eye.
3.4
4
FOUR! Boom! Tossed up ball around middle and off, Healy skips down the track and powers it over mid on for a cracking boundary.
3.3
1lb
Mlaba is busy shouting for an lbw and the batters cross! Given as a leg bye. Flighted and around leg, turning down, Mooney advances down the track to flick but misses. She wears it on her pads, Mlaba appeals but the umpire shakes her head. Going down.
3.2
1
Good field set! Flighted and full around off, Healy jumps down the track and drives it to sweeper cover for a single.
3.1
1
Flighted full ball around off, Mooney eases it with gentle hands towards backward point and takes a run.
Spin time! Nonkululeko Mlaba is into the attack.
In over# 1
0
4
1
0
4
0
Shabnim Ismail 15/0(2)
2.6
.
Fantastic response from the pacer! She digs in a well-directed short ball, Healy tries her best to pull but fails to connect. Good contest, 9 runs from the over!
2.5
4
FOUR! What a shot! Power from Alyssa Healy. Ismail angles in a fuller length ball around off, Healy finds that in her zone and bludgeons it through mid off. The fielder reacts to her right but has no chance of cutting it off.
2.4
1
Brisk run. Back of a length ball on middle, again on the slower side, Beth drops it with soft hands in front of square leg for a single.
2.3
.
Beaten! Ismail senses the charge and sends across a slower full ball wide outside off, Mooney ends up pushing and missing.
2.2
4
FOUR! Up and over mid on! Back of a length delivery around off, Mooney rocks back and pulls it over the in-ring fielder for a boundary. Not a very good connection but enough to take it over.
2.1
.
Fullish delivery on middle, Mooney gets forward and defends it to the off side. Ismail runs across to her right to collect the ball.
In over# 1
0
1
0
0
0
2
Ayabonga Khaka 3/0(1)
1.6
.
Swing and a miss! Back of a length delivery outside off, Healy winds up for a big heave across the line but fails to connect. 3 from the over, a tidy one by Khaka!
1.5
1
Slower one, on a length close to off, Beth plays it with soft hands towards short extra cover and rushes to the other end. The fielder has a shy but misses. The back-up fielder fumbles and no extra run taken.
1.4
.
Beaten this time! A bit of a movement off the surface for Khaka. She pitches it up and outside off, inviting the drive, Mooney obliges but gets beaten by the movement.
1.3
.
Fails to find the gap! Too full and wide outside off, Mooney reaches out with the drive but picks out the cover fielder.
1.2
.
An off pace delivery, a touch on the shorter side outside off, angling away, Beth taps it down towards cover-point.
1.1
2
Shot! It's a loopy full ball by a medium pacer. Khaka serves it wide outside off and Mooney drills her drive past the diving extra cover fielder. Two runs taken.
Ayabonga Khaka will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
1
1
4
0
0
0
Shabnim Ismail 6/0(1)
0.6
1
Shabnim angles in a good length ball on middle and leg, Mooney eases it off her pads to deep square leg for one. 6 from the first over!
0.5
1
Quick running. A length ball shaping back into the batter, Healy works it to the right of mid on and steals a brisk run.
0.4
4
FOUR! Off the mark in style! Back of a length delivery outside off, plenty of width available, Alyssa latches onto it and smashes it over covers to open her account.
0.3
.
Shortish and on middle, coming slowly off the surface, Healy plays a mistimed pull shot towards mid-wicket.
0.2
.
Shout for an lbw! Turned down. Ismail gets a fuller length ball to nip back in from around off, Healy fails to flick and gets rapped on the pads. The appeal is not entertained as it seems to be going down the leg side.
0.1
.
Play and a miss! Ismail delivers it on a length outside off, Healy goes hard at it but fails to middle her shot. That almost kissed the outside edge. Excellent start for South Africa!
The longgggggg wait for a game today is over! Time to get underway! No national anthems. The South African ladies are taking the field. Beth Mooney and Alyssa Healy make their way out as the openers for Australia. Shabnim Ismail will start with the ball for South Africa. One slip in place...
Pitch report - Good covering of grass, a bit on the darker side but it should come nicely onto the bat. Bowl first and maybe get the most out of the conditions appear to be the best option.
South Africa (Playing XI) - Dane Van Niekerk (C), Lizelle Lee, Nadine de Klerk (IN FOR MARIZANNE KAPP), Chloe Tryon, Mignon du Preez, Sune Luus, Laura Wolvaardt, Trisha Chetty (WK), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Australia Women (Playing XI) - Alyssa Healy (WK), Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Meg Lanning (C), Rachael Haynes, Sophie Molineux (IN PLACE OF ELLYSE PERRY), Delissa Kimmince (IN PLACE OF ANNABEL SUTHERLAND), Jess Jonassen, Nicola Carey, Georgia Wareham, Megan Schutt.
Australian skipper, Meg Lanning, says that she was not too sure what to do with some more rain expected. Feels that it's a really good pitch and hopes to make the most of it. Informs about the couple of changes - Ellyse Perry and Annabel Sutherland are replaced by Sophie Molineux and Delissa Kimmince.
South African skipper, Dane Van Niekerk, says that they are bowling with the rain around as you know better what to do in a semi-final. Adds that they have to be really good today. Mentions that they have to beat the reigning champions if they want to get to the final. Informs about the only change - Marizanne Kapp has not recovered from her injury and is replaced by Nadine de Klerk.
Toss - Up goes the coin and it comes down in favour of Dane Van Niekerk. SOUTH AFRICA WILL FIELD!
FINALLY SOME CRICKET! It was a damp squib in the first semi-final but the conditions have improved a lot since then and we are lucky enough to have a game. Australia will be desperate to get on the field and have their destiny in their own hands as in case of a washout, South Africa would have qualified for the final. Hello and welcome everyone and thanks for being patient with us. The best part is that we have not lost any overs. Toss coming up in a bit...
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