Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final South Africa chooses to bowl first against Australia

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to field against an Australia side missing Alyssa Healy in the first semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, a rematch of the previous edition’s final.

Six-time champions Australia were still without captain Healy, who was present at the ground but without her moonboot. “Healy is progressing and continues to be assessed,” the Australian camp confirmed. Australia fielded the same XI from their last league game, where they narrowly defeated India by nine runs. Explosive batter Grace Harris was set to open alongside Beth Mooney, who would again take on wicketkeeping duties.

Wolvaardt explained her decision to bowl first, saying the ball “comes on better in the second half.” South Africa also remained unchanged from their previous match.

This pitch previously hosted two tournament matches—New Zealand vs India and India vs Sri Lanka—but by Thursday, it had less grass cover. “This pitch offers more runs compared to others because of its lighter color,” Sana Mir noted during the pitch report, adding that it could still provide some assistance for the fast bowlers. The square boundaries measured 57 and 63 meters, while the straight boundary was 73 meters.

Earlier this year, South Africa claimed their first-ever T20I win against Australia.

Playing 11 Australia: 1 Grace Harris, 2 Beth Mooney (wk), 3 Georgia Wareham, 4 Tahlia McGrath (capt), 5 Ellyse Perry, 6 Ashleigh Gardner, 7 Phoebe Litchfield, 8 Annabel Sutherland, 9 Sophie Molineux, 10 Megan Schutt, 11 Darcie Brown

Playing 11 South Africa: 1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Anneke Bosch, 4 Marizanne Kapp, 5 Chloe Tryon, 6 Sune Luus, 7 Annerie Dercksen, 8 Nadine de Klerk, 9 Sinalo Jafta (wk), 10 Nonkululeko Mlaba, 11 Ayabonga Khaka