ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Finals: Australia, NZ, WI, SA battle for glory. Who will reach the final? Get match details, player highlights, and predictions.
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| Picture Credit - ICC |
Four top teams that are now fighting for semifinals in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 have been decided. With a long series of group-stage matches, the winners of both groups have been decided already. Both teams from each group are now at the gates to compete for the awaited title. Let's break down how the teams have qualified and what is going on in the soon-to-be contested matches.
Overview of Tournament Format
The tournament had 10 teams and two groups. Both groups played four games, after which the best two teams from two different groups were to enter the semi-finals. Now the semi-final is going to decide which of the remaining two will play in the grand finale in Dubai on October 20.
Teams That Qualified for the Semi-Finals:
1. Australia – The Dominant Defending Champions
Australia continues to assert their supremacy in ICC Women's Tournaments. Winning four consecutive games at the group stage without a single sign of slowing down, not even under new skipper Alyssa Healy, the team proved too good as the defending champions defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets, New Zealand by 60 runs, Pakistan by nine wickets, and India by nine runs.
However, the injury issues for Australia are a couple of problems. The captain Healy was missing for the tournament against India, whereas fast bowler Tayla Vlaeminck is out for the remaining part of this tournament. Still, Australia remains the hot favorite for winning their fourth consecutive ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
Key Players in Focus:
Beth Mooney: The opener has been in red-hot form, always giving Australians regular starts up top.
Ellyse Perry – A reliable all-rounder who remains a match-winner both with bat and ball.
Next Game: Australia will take on South Africa in the first semi-final on Thursday, October 17 at Dubai.
2. New Zealand-Resilient Black Ferns
New Zealand was the second team from Group A that had guaranteed its pass into the semi-final. The Black Ferns opened their tournament with a comprehensive victory over India by 58 runs. They lost to Australia by 60 runs in their second match, losing all hope. What was surprising about the Black Ferns was their follow-through from there, again beating Sri Lanka by eight wickets and then Pakistan by 54 runs.
This resilience and its ability to come back from a mid-tournament loss and reach the semis reflects New Zealand's character.
Players to Watch:
Amelia Kerr – The all-rounder has been very exceptional with the bat and also with the ball.
Sophie Devine – Leadership and batting have been the key for New Zealand.
New Zealand will take on the West Indies in the second semifinal on Friday, October 18, at Sharjah.
3. West Indies – The Comeback Queens
The West Indies first shocked everyone by emerging as the first team in Group B to qualify for the semi-final, replacing England in the process.
Their six-wicket thriller against England was enormously important as it marked the first time they beat England in 13 WT20Is. This is also the first qualification for the semi-final of the tournament for the West Indies in five years. Therefore, it would just be great if they put up such a comeback.
Hayley Matthews – The West Indies skipper has been phenomenal in the field as well as with the bat, too, as she has led her team from the front.
Deandra Dottin – She has given a lot to this West Indies team with her explosive batting on the day. She is still a match-winner.
Next Match: West Indies is to take on New Zealand in the second semi-final on Friday, October 18.
4. South Africa – The Surprise Contenders
South Africa qualified for the semifinals, taking the last spot, with West Indies' win over England. They have secured three straight wins from four matches in the group stages and are strongly placed for the next round from Group B. How the South African players would handle the pressure is something that has been watched out for, and now they face their toughest opponents yet-a second successive clash with defending champions Australia.
Key Players to Watch
Marizanne Kapp - Brilliant all-rounder. Performances under pressure make her a vital player for South Africa
Laura Wolvaardt - The opener has been in fine fettle and anchored South Africa's innings well at the top
Next Match: South Africa will face Australia in the first semi-final on Thursday, October 17.
Semi-Final Schedule:
Australia vs South Africa
- Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
New Zealand vs West Indies
- Date: Friday, October 18, 2024
- Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The Road Ahead:
With Australia and New Zealand being the favorites to reach the final, West Indies and South Africa are determined to defy the odds. The semi-finals are set to be fiercely competitive, with each team hungry for the title. Can Australia continue their reign, or will a new champion emerge?
