SOUTH Africa has caused arguably the upset of the Women’s T20 World Cup, beating Australia by eight wickets to make the tournament final and send the reigning champions and tournament favourites packing.

South Africa restricted Australia to 5/134 from its 20 overs, before reaching that target with 16 balls to spare.

The fact that Australia fell to 1/7 on ball seven of the innings and 2/18 on ball 18 of the innings was in hindsight a sign of things to come, as for the most part the Australians just could not get going. A 50 run third wicket partnership was the only one of much substance, as the next highest partnerships were in the 30s.

Beth Mooney was the lone star with bat in hand for Australia making 44, with the next highest score being Ellyse Perry’s 31.

Meanwhile for South Africa Ayabonga Khaka was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Marizanne Kapp and Nonkululeko Mlaba picked up a wicket each.

South Africa made a pretty solid start to its chase, before Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch really got things going, putting on an almost 100 run partnership. By the time Wolvaardt was dismissed with five overs to go, there was not much left for Bosch and Chloe Tryon left to do to get the win for their side.

Bosch ended proceedings on 74 not out, while Wolvaardt was dismissed on 42.

With only three extras conceded, Australia could not even blame bad bowling for the ease of South Africa’s victory. Annabel Sutherland took both the wickets that fell.

The win sees South Africa into its second consecutive final and will be looking to go one better than they did at home last year. Australia on the other hand will head home after missing its first T20 World Cup final since the initial tournament back in 2009.