The South African Women’s Cricket team may have endured a humbling defeat at the hands of Australia in their final group-stage encounter on Saturday, but their World Cup journey is far from over. Despite being bowled out for a meagre 97 runs in what can only be described as an unfortunate batting collapse, the Proteas have successfully secured their place in the ICC 2025 semi-finals.
Saturday’s match in Indore will be remembered more for what went wrong than what went right for the Proteas Women. Sent in to bat first, the South African batting line-up crumbled under the pressure of Australia’s bowling attack, with leg-spinner Alana King producing a performance for the ages.
King’s figures of 7 wickets for just 18 runs in seven overs was not just a personal best, but a record-breaking display that dismantled the Proteas’ batting order with surgical precision. The South African team was dismissed for 97 runs in just 25 overs, falling well short of posting a competitive total.
Australia’s chase was a mere formality, with the defending champions reaching their target of 98 runs in the 17th over for the loss of just three wickets.
However, the result, while disappointing, does not derail South Africa’s World Cup aspirations.
The Proteas Women is currently in second position in the points table and will be facing England, who are in third place in the semi-finals. This crucial encounter is set for Wednesday 29 October at 11:30 (SA time), at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
The England matchup presents both challenges and opportunities for the Proteas Women. While England brings their own formidable credentials to the contest, South Africa will be eager to demonstrate the resilience and fighting spirit that carried them through the group stages to secure their semi-final spot.
The semi-final against England offers the perfect stage for the Proteas Women to show their true colours and demonstrate that they belong among the world’s elite cricket teams.
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