The Australia Women’s team secured the fourth and final semi-final birth at the T20 World Cup on Monday when they beat New Zealand by four runs in Melbourne, writes ANDRE HUISAMEN.
In what was a must-win clash for both teams, the hosts managed to scrape through thanks to some great death bowling in the final few overs.
New Zealand Women required 40 runs from the final 18 deliveries before Megan Schutt struck three decisive blows to put their required total of 156 out of reach.
Australia have now joined India, England and South Africa as the four teams who will compete for the two spots in Sunday’s final.
Despite having already qualified for the semi-finals, the Proteas Women still have to play their final group match against the West Indies on Tuesday before the semi-finals on Thursday.
It means the South Africans will have less time to prepare for the semi-final, but should they beat the West Indies to finish top of Group B, they will face Australia on Thursday.
Should South Africa lose to the islanders, then England will retain top spot in the group, meaning a semi-final clash with India awaits.
Tuesday’s clash with the West Indies is set to start at 10am.
