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8 367 Fans Rooted for South Africa

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Australia proved once again at St Georges Park, Gqeberha just why they are the top ranked T20 team (out of 54) in the World when they beat South Africa by six wickets, with 21 balls to spare, and became the first team to qualify for the knockout stage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.

The official attendance figures saw 8 367 paying fans through the gate to watch the double header on Saturday.

The win for Australia ensures they will top Group 1 and ease through to the semi-finals of the tournament with a perfect record.

And victory was wrapped up by their powerful middle order, with Tahlia McGrath smashing a brilliant 57 from 33 balls, Ash Gardner finishing unbeaten on 28* and Grace Harris hitting the winning runs to the boundary off the first ball she faced.

Earlier, wickets tumbled through the second half of the first innings as Australia bounced back after a strong start from South Africa to restrict them to 124/6.

It was the defending champions Australia who won the toss and opted to bowl first at St George’s Park.

But the classy combination of Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits made it through the Powerplay unscathed and brought up the fifty-run partnership in the ninth over.

Just when she was looking to accelerate after a watchful start, Wolvaardt was caught by Beth Mooney off Ellyse Perry to head back to the dugout for 19 from 28, sparking a collapse.

Marizanne Kapp departed without scoring, Brits was denied a half-century when she fell for 45 from 36, and the dangerous Chloe Tryon fell cheaply as South Africa slipped to 77/4.

https://straton.org.za/picture.php?/18824

Luus stuck around to score 20 (24 balls), but late runs were hard to come by as South Africa finished on 124/6, with Nadine de Klerk unbeaten on 14* and Sinalo Jafta new at the crease after Luus fell in the final over.

It was a combined bowling effort from Australia, with seven bowlers used and five wicket-takers. Georgia Wareham’s 2/18 from three were the pick of the figures.

Images: 18 February – Gqeberha – Australia v South Africa

Scores in brief 

Australia beat South Africa at St George’s Park, Gqeberha by 6 wickets

South Africa 124 for six in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 45, Sune Luus 20; Georgia Wareham 2/18, Ellyse Perry 1/8)

Australia 125 for four in 16.3 overs (Tahlia McGrath 57, Ashleigh Gardner 28 not out; Marizanne Kapp 2/21, Masabata Klaas 1/18)

Player of the Match: Tahlia McGrath (Australia)

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.