six6s score South Africa’s win against Australia in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal felt like the culmination of a journey years in the making. Although the result might have shocked some, a closer analysis of South Africa’s trajectory shows that this victory was anything but surprising. This was a triumph built on years of progress, a growing team dynamic, and strategic balance that finally came together in the biggest moment.
South Africa had spent years pushing against the dominance of the leading teams in women’s cricket. No longer just competitive, they had evolved into true contenders. Their narrow loss to Australia in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup final, held on home soil, marked a pivotal moment. Though they didn’t claim the trophy, they demonstrated that they could go head-to-head with the best, including powerhouses like Australia and England.
Their 2023 campaign was not a one-off. They continued to build momentum, with notable performances that put pressure on Australia. Earlier in 2024, South Africa played a tightly contested T20I series against Australia away from home. Australia won the series 2-1, but both of their victories came in the final over, illustrating that the gap between the teams had significantly narrowed. South Africa had learned how to compete with Australia on equal footing, and their ability to push the World Champions to the brink was proof of their steady improvement.
This growth wasn’t limited to their performances against Australia. Over the last few years, South Africa has learned to adapt to a variety of conditions, including the subcontinent, which had previously been a challenge. Their ability to evolve and perform in tough environments laid the foundation for their eventual success in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
While star players like Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp continue to be central to South Africa’s success, one of the team’s key developments has been the emergence of other contributors who have stepped up. South Africa’s win over Australia in the semifinal was not a one-player show but a collective effort from a well-rounded squad.
Tazmin Brits, for instance, has been a model of consistency at the top of the order, providing much-needed stability. Anneke Bosch’s match-winning fifty in the semifinal, batting at No. 3, was pivotal. Her success at this crucial position allowed South Africa to maintain balance, ensuring that Kapp could stay lower in the order where she’s most effective. In the past, Kapp had often been forced to bat at No. 3, weakening the middle order. With Bosch’s emergence as a dependable No. 3, South Africa has found the flexibility and depth they had been missing.
Furthermore, Sune Luus, free from the burden of captaincy, has added significantly to the team’s all-round strength, contributing with both bat and ball. Nonkululeko Mlaba has also been exceptional, emerging as one of the most consistent spinners in world cricket. Her ability to challenge the world’s top batters, including the likes of Sophie Ecclestone and Ashleigh Gardner, has added another dimension to South Africa’s bowling attack.
six6s score South Africa’s overall campaign in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup has been close to flawless. A crushing 10-wicket victory over the West Indies demonstrated their ruthless efficiency, while Wolvaardt and Brits have been the tournament’s top two run-scorers. Mlaba’s joint position as the leading wicket-taker has further cemented their dominance.