Australia has been spectacularly knocked out of the women’s T20 World Cup in a shock loss in the semi final.
The Aussies had been favourites to win the title again but were thumped by eight wickets by South Africa on Friday morning.
It means their dream of winning a seventh World Cup in nine attempts has been dashed.
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“It’s going to be pretty hard to take,” Australia’s stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath said.
“We just didn’t really show up tonight. You can’t afford to do that in tournaments like this.”
Sunday’s World Cup final will the first that doesn’t feature either Australia or England.
Annabel Sutherland of Australia celebrates the wicket of Tazmin Brits of South Africa. Getty
The Aussies had been dogged by an injury to skipper Alyssa Healy during the pool games which again kept her out of Friday’s semi final.
South Africa put the reigning champions in to bat and had the Aussies 1-7 early when Grace Harris was caught out.
Beth Mooney (44), McGrath (27) and Ellyse Perry (31) all contributed as Australia scored slowly to reach 134 by the end of the innings.
In response it was Laura Wolvaardt (42) and then Anneke Bosch (74 not out) who led the way as South Africa chased down the total with ease in 17.2 overs.
“This is one of the best wins of my cricketing career for sure. A couple of other girls have said it as well,” Wolvaardt said.
“That was such an amazing chase. The bowlers are excellent. It’s been a good year for us.”
