Superb South Africa stun defending champions Australia to reach final

A brilliant batting display powered South Africa into the T20 World Cup Final, with Anneke Bosch’s inspired 74* knocking out the tournament favourites and sending the Proteas through to Sunday’s showpiece Dubai.

Having restricted Australia to 134/5 in the first innings, South Africa’s top order put on a display of hitting under the lights of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt (42 from 37) leading the way along with opening partner Tazim Brits (15 from 15).

But it was number three Bosch who knocked the stuffing out of the Aussie bowling attack, scoring fast in her 74* from 48 deliveries to get her team well ahead of the rate, meaning there were few late nerves even when skipper Wolvaardt departed with 15 runs still required.

And fittingly it was Bosch who hit the winning runs, sparking jubilant scenes among the South African contingent in Dubai.

Earlier, having opted to bowl first, the Proteas made an excellent start, forcing Australia to take their time in a rebuild from 18/2.

But Mooney and skipper Tahlia McGrath (27) laid a platform for the defending champions. And some excellent contributions from Phoebe Litchfield (16* from 9) and Ellyse Perry (31 from 23) gave Australia’s bowlers something sizeable to defend.

Ayabonga Khaka picked the figures with her 2/24, while Marizanne Kapp was also impressed, taking 1/24 and producing an inspired piece of fielding to remove Mooney.

And South Africa’s inspired performances continued into the second innings, as they completed a famous upset.

Wolvaardt's side will face the winner of Friday's second semi-final between New Zealand and West Indies, while Australia's dream of a fourth successive title has ended abruptly.