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The first semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will see the reigning champions Australia take on South Africa on Thursday. Australia has been in fine form in the ICC event so far, winning all four matches they have played. They defeated some of the biggest cricketing nations along the way, including India, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Australia curbed India’s chances of a playoff spot in their previous clash, beating them by nine runs. Sophie Molineux was named the Player of the Match for her crucial 2/32 spell during India’s chase. The six-time winners will now have their eyes set on making yet another final by overcoming their next challenge against the Ferns.
The Dubai International Stadium will host the first semi-final between Australia and South Africa on October 17. South Africa has also put up a solid show at the competition so far, winning three out of the four matches they have played. Their only defeat came against England in the tournament where they lost by seven wickets.
Looking at the head-to-head record of the last five T20Is, Australia leads the series by 4-1. The last five matches were played in 2023 and 2024. While South Africa managed to register a win in one match, Australia emerged victorious in the remaining four encounters. In the most recent match, which took place in 2024, Australia won by five wickets. Australia will be looking to continue their winning streak against South Africa and book their spot in the final. However, South Africa will be eager to pull off an upset and advance to the championship match.
The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST on Thursday, October 17 at the Dubai International Stadium. The live streaming of the match will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar app. The weather forecast for Dubai on October 17 predicts clear skies with a low four per cent chance of precipitation. The temperatures are predicted to be close to 35 degrees during the day and 29 degrees at night. The humidity levels are expected not to exceed 68 per cent. One can expect wind speeds ranging between 10 km/h to 15 km/h.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two of the best teams in the world. Both teams have a strong batting line-up and a well-balanced bowling attack. The outcome of the match will depend on which team can perform better on the day. Australia will be looking to their experienced players, such as Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney, to lead the way. South Africa will be hoping that their star all-rounder, Marizanne Kapp, can deliver a match-winning performance. Fans of women's cricket can look forward to a thrilling encounter between two of the best teams in the world.
Source: AUS-W vs SA-W, Women's T20 World Cup 2024, Semi-Final: Match Preview, Probable XI, Head-to-Head