South Africa Women's tour of Australia 2024 - Series Digest

January 28 South Africa levels series with historic victory In a historic triumph, South Africa Women secured their first-ever win against A...

January 28

South Africa levels series with historic victory

In a historic triumph, South Africa Women secured their first-ever win against Australia, leveling the series by winning the second T20I. Despite never having beaten Australia in any format before, South Africa successfully chased down a target of 143 with an over to spare. Beth Mooney, the star of the first game, was dismissed early, providing South Africa an opportunity to tighten their grip on the match. None of the Australian batters managed substantial innings, and after 14 overs, they were struggling at 89/4.

The innings was rescued by Grace Harris, who played a crucial role by smashing an unbeaten 31 off just 18 balls in the death overs, guiding her side to a total beyond the 140-run mark. Unfortunately, this effort didn't prove sufficient. Captain Laura Wolvaardt held firm at one end, and Tazmin Brits went on a boundary-hitting spree at the other, adding 75 runs for the first wicket. Despite late wickets from Australia, Wolvaardt stood strong, scoring an unbeaten fifty to secure victory for her side. The final T20I will take place in Hobart on January 30.

Brief scores:

Australia Women 142/6 in 20 overs (Grace Harris 31*; Masabata Klaas 2/16) lost to South Africa Women 144/4 in 19 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 58*, Tazmin Brits 41; Ashleigh Gardner 2/26) by 6 wickets

January 27

Mooney leads Australia to a comfortable win

Australia secured a convincing eight-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening T20I of the series in Canberra, propelled by Beth Mooney at the top of the order.

Captain Alyssa Healy, battling illness, contributed a quick 46 off 28 balls, setting the stage for the hosts in their chase of a 148-run target. Mooney (72* off 57) played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten throughout the chase and guiding Australia to victory with five balls to spare. After Healy's departure, momentarily slowing the Australian charge, Mooney capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a 44-ball half-century.

Earlier, Tazmin Brits anchored South Africa's innings with an unbeaten 59 off 54 balls, guiding them to a par total of 147/6, their highest T20I score against Australia. Ellyse Perry (2 for 13) and Darcie Brown (2 for 20) halted a promising start by Laura Wolvaardt as South Africa's middle-order failed to provide the late-innings support Brits needed.

The Manuka Oval will host the second T20I on Sunday (January 28).

Brief Scores:

South Africa 147/6 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 59*; Ellyse Perry 2-13, Darcie Brown 2-20) lost to Australia 149/2 in 19.1 overs (Beth Mooney 72*, Alyssa Healy 46) by 9 wickets.