Key events
For so long, Australia sat alone at the top of the pyramid.
It was everyone else who craned their necks up and wondered how they’d hunt down this uncoquerable beast.
Now they have to do the hunting as they look to win back a crown that felt glued to their head.
Martin Pegan sums it up best:
There are a couple of other blogs on the go as we speak.
Tim de Lisle is wrapping up Scotland’s 40-run win over Ireland.
And Tanya Aldred is at Blackpool Cricket Club keeping an eye on all the goings on in the Championship.
I don’t mind if you pop in to either/both. Just be sure to come back.
This might be neutral territory, but that doesn’t mean both teams are starting as equals.
Australia have won 15 of their past 16 women’s T20Is away from home, including each of their last six; their only defeat in that span came in their last meeting with South Africa in the 2024 semi-final.
South Africa have won only one of their past seven women’s T20Is away from home, an 18-run victory against New Zealand in March. They have lost each of their three games since then, the last time they recorded a longer losing run on the road in the format was a four-match span from September 2023 to January 2024.
Preamble
Daniel Gallan
Talk about jumping in the deep end.
Australia, the most dominant nation in this competition with six triumphs from nine editions, and South Africa, beaten finalists in 2024 and 2023, get their tournaments underway in this clash of titans.
Most bookies and bots have the Aussies as favourites, but Sophie Molineux will know not to take the Proteas lightly.
Two years ago, Anneke Bosch’s unbeaten 74 from 48 balls led South Africa to a stunning eight-wicket win in the semis in Dubai.
Australia were once unbeaten against South Africa in this format across eight consecutive matches. But it’s the Saffas who have recent history on their side with two victories from their last three encounters.
The Proteas have qualified for the last two finals – they lost to Australia by 19 runs in home soil and then choked in a 32-run defeat to New Zealand. An ageing team will feel this might be their last shot. The Aussies, meanwhile, are out to win back what they’ll feel is theirs by right.
I’m excited for this one! Hope you are too. Ping me a mail with your thoughts.
Things get underway at 2:30pm BST/11:30pm AEDT.
Teams and other bits to come,.
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