Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Semi-Final 1, AUS-W vs SA-W Match Preview: Head to Head records, pitch report and more

Defending champions Australia take on last edition's finalist South Africa in semi-final 1 of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on Thursday, October 17.

On expected lines, Australia have been on a rampant run in the tournament, having registered four wins in as many games so far. They topped Group A with an all-win record, registering wins against India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. They hardly had to break a sweat apart from their most recent clash against India, which they won by nine runs.    

Meanwhile, South Africa finished runners-up in Group B after notching up comprehensive victories against the West Indies, Scotland, and Bangladesh. The Proteas lost only one game so far and it was against England. Laura Wolvaardt's side will look to avenge their defeat in the finals of last year's Women's T20 World Cup.

Tazmin Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt have been the best opening pair in this edition of the marquee event. The former is the leading run-getter in the tournament, having amassed 155 runs from four games at an average of 51.67 and a strike rate of 105.44. Meanwhile, Wolvaardt has aggregated 148 runs at an average of 49.33 and a strike rate of 111.28.

Nonkululeko Mlaba has been the standout with the ball, having bagged nine wickets from four matches at an average of 8.22. The left-arm spinner has also been very disciplined, conceding runs at a miserly economy rate of 4.62.

Meanwhile, for Australia, Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney have been the in-form batters. They have scored 101 and 100 runs, respectively, so far in the tournament. Perry has an average of 33.66 and a strike rate of 118.82. On the other hand, Mooney has been striking at 108.69.

With the ball, pacers Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland have fared well. While Schutt has bagged eight wickets at 5.88, Sutherland has accounted for seven scalps at 9.43. Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux has also picked up seven wickets at 12.29.

Also Check: Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Schedule

Match Details

Pitch Report

10 matches have been played so far at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The average first innings total has been around 126. The venue has provided slightly better batting surfaces than Sharjah. Six games have been won by chasing teams, while teams batting first have emerged victorious on four instances.

Head-To-Head Records

Also Check: Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Points Table

Probable Predicted XI

Australia Women

Australian captain Alyssa Healy missed the last game against India as she was seen making her way into the stadium on crutches. She suffered an "acute injury to her right foot" during the match against Pakistan. Australian fans will hope that their talismanic skipper recovers in time for the semis.

Predicted XI: Grace Harris, Beth Mooney (wk), Georgia Wareham, Tahlia McGrath (c), Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland, Sophie Molineux, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.

South Africa Women

South Africa do not have any major injury concerns and should field the same playing XI that played the last game against Bangladesh. They have played good cricket in the tournament so far and will have to bring their A-game to the fore to topple the six-time champions.

Predicted XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka