Sydney:Defending champions Australia reached the finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup after beating South Africa by five runs via D/L method in the second semi-final, here on Thursday.
Australia will now face India in the final, which will be played on March 8, International Women's Day, at the MCG.Put in to bat, Australia posted a total of 134 for five in 20 overs. Captain Meg Lanning top scored for Australia with 49 off as many balls.
Apart from Lanning, Beth Mooney (28 off 24 ) and Alyssa Healy (18 off 13 ) also made useful contributions with bat for the hosts. Nadine de Klerk was the pick of the South Africa bowlers taking three wickets for 19 runs in three overs.
Chasing a reduced target of 98 in 13 overs due to rain, South Africa were restricted to 92/5. Laura Wolvaardt's brilliant knock of 41 off 27 for Proteas went in vain.
Nadine de Klerk was the most successful bowler for Australia with 3 for 19, while Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba picked one wicket each.Australia skipper Meg Lanning named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.(UNI)
