ICC Women’s T20 World cup 2023 : South Africa break their infamous “Curse” at last!

We are just a day away from finding out the champions of the ICC Women’s T20 World cup 2023. After 2 enthralling Semi-finals featuring 4 of the best teams in the world we have the finalists for the 8th edition of the WC which began back in 2009.

5-time champions Australia have reached their 3rd consecutive Women’s T20 world cup after beating India in a thrilling semi-final at Newlands 2 days ago. Meg Lanning and Co. handed the Indians a hard loss and outplayed their opposition in every single department.

At one point, it looked as if India are favorites to advance to the final but it all changed after Harmanpreet Kaur’s unfortunate and careless run-out. Australia asked India to chase 173 runs after crucial knocks from Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, Meg Lanning and Ashleigh Gardner.

Difference between boys and girls#INDWvsAUSW #Semifinal pic.twitter.com/cxpuvkwqYm

— I'm Rasedul (@Rasedulsk84) February 25, 2023

In the 2nd innings, the Aussies restricted India to 162 runs and took India from 133/5 to 162/8. Ashleigh Gardner was adjudged as the man of the match for her All-round performance.

Yesterday, hosts South Africa also advanced to the finals for the first time in any world cup at their home. Many expected England to come out victorious but the South Africans just like Australia, won their match by 6 runs. The hosts had won the toss and elected to bat first.

💥 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 💥

The Proteas Women 🇿🇦 have reached their first-ever final of an ICC event after beating England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 by 6 runs! 🤩

They will meet Australia 🇦🇺 in the Women's #T20WorldCup FINAL on Sunday 🔥#SABCSSportCricket pic.twitter.com/Q2rugQrYEU

— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) February 24, 2023

Their top-order slammed English bowlers as their openers – Loura Woolvaardt and Tazmin Brits stood for a 96-run stand for the first wicket before the former departed for 53. Marizanne Kapp came in at number 3 and took South Africa to a safe total of 164.

South Africa to face Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup Final. They've defeated England in the Semi Finals by 6 runs. pic.twitter.com/EMa3fAVrK4

— Tarun Singh Verma 🇮🇳 (@TarunSinghVerm1) February 24, 2023

In response, England got off to a decent start through Dani Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley before the latter got out for 28. However, the Three Lions slowly fell down in front of the Proteas’ bowlers with Shabnim Ismail took 3 wickets, Ayabonga Khaka took 4 wickets while Nadine De Klerk took 1 wicket.

With the win, South Africa have won a World cup semi-final for the first time in their history. No other South African team has been able to do that and now the team will aim to put their hands on a first-ever World cup trophy.