Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. The South African bowlers started well, dismissing Australia’s openers inside four overs. But Phoebe Litchfield refused to be contained, punishing Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail to take Australia to 52 for two at the end of the powerplay.  

Ayabonga Khaka finally ended her innings, but not before she reached her half-century. Ellyse Perry (36 off 26) and Georgia Wareham (32 off 22) also made useful contributions to take Australia to 172/8 in their 20 overs.  

Australia women. Photo: X/Crickbuster

Australia made quick work of removing Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, and Nadine de Klerk in the first seven overs, but SA captain Laura Wolvaardt dug her heels in to reach 44 off 39 balls, before being caught by Wareham off the bowling of Sophie Molineux.  

The lower order did not offer much resistance, and it was all over for South Africa in the 17th over with a dismal score of 107.

South Africa will need to do serious introspection before their next game against powerhouse India on Sunday, 21 June, on the same ground.

In yesterday’s other matches, the West Indies women pulled off a massive upset when they beat defending champions New Zealand. Chasing 163, West Indies reached their target with a ball to spare as Shemaine Campbelle finished unbeaten on 90.

And Scotland secured their first T20 World Cup win, beating Ireland by 40 runs in the Old Trafford opener.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger dg