In a historic moment at Manuka Oval, South Africa’s women’s cricket team secured a remarkable six-wicket win over Australia, marking their first-ever victory against the powerhouse in women’s internationals. It all happened during the second T20I of the South Africa Women tour of Australia 2024 witnessed an intense battle, with Laura Wolvaardt playing a pivotal role in the team’s iconic triumph.
Grace Harris shines for Australia
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Australia Women posted a challenging target of 143 runs. The Australian batting lineup, led by the dynamic Grace Harris, showcased an array of skills. Harris contributed 31 runs off 18 balls, including three fours and a six. Alyssa Healy and Tahlia McGrath added to the scoreboard with 29 and 23 runs, respectively.
However, the South African bowlers, spearheaded by Masabata Klaas and Marizanne Kapp, delivered crucial breakthroughs, limiting Australia to 142/6 after 20 overs.
Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits’ fireworks
In response to the challenging target, South Africa Women exhibited a formidable batting performance. Laura Wolvaardt, displaying composure and skill, led the charge with a brilliant 58 runs off 53 balls. Tazmin Brits provided vital support with a quick 41 runs off 28 balls.
Despite the efforts of Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner to pick up wickets for Australia, South Africa successfully chased down the target with six wickets in hand, reaching 144/4 in 19 overs.
Also READ: Heather Knight withdraws from WPL 2024; RCB names her replacement
Player of the Match
As the historic victory was sealed by South Africa Women, winning by six wickets and levelling the series, the ‘Player of the Match’ award rightly went to Laura. Her match-winning innings of 58 runs not only highlighted her exceptional batting skills but also played a pivotal role in leading her team to a memorable triumph.
With Proteas Women’s victory, the upcoming third and final clash between these two powerhouse nations takes on added significance as it will determine the series’ outcome. Fans eagerly anticipate this high-stakes game, with all eyes set on the pivotal showdown.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
HISTORY 🤯
South Africa has beaten Australia for the first time in International cricket. [Women’s] pic.twitter.com/ftmiWfcgKi
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 28, 2024
For the first time South Africa women defeat Australia!
Chasing 143 with an over to spare the team registers their first win in any format over the powerhouses of Australia!
Laura Wolvaardt with 58*(53)
And Masabata Klaas 2/16 in 3#AUSvSA
— Natalie Germanos 🏏 (@NatalieGermanos) January 28, 2024
Excellent win by the @ProteasWomenCSA over @AusWomenCricket to level the T20 series. Captain @LauraWolvaardt led the way with the bat but it was the bowlers who set up the match. They restricted the Aussie batters with a well executed bowling plan. On to Hobart. #AUSWvSAW
— Vincent Barnes (@VincentBarnes60) January 28, 2024
Captain and Player of the Match Laura Wolvaardt called it ‘probably the best day of her captaincy!’
“The voodoo is gone now. I hope we can beat them more. I know they will come back harder at us with the series on the line but we now know we can beat them.”#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/M2EU5RJalm
— Kalyani Mangale (@MangaleKalyani) January 28, 2024
A famous victory for South Africa over the Australians. Better with both bat and ball.
And of course a brilliant captain’s knock from Laura Wolvaardt who helps create history for her side.
The multi-format series sits at 2-2 and is shaping up nicely. #AUSvSA
— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) January 28, 2024
@LauraWolvaardt you are an absolute superstar!!! Brilliant performance with humility and professionalism!!!!
— Stu_downunder (@StuZ3) January 28, 2024
History created.
South Africa🇿🇦 beat Australia🇦🇺 for the FIRST time in women’s international cricket.#AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/P1ATuzPjBh
— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) January 28, 2024
Excellent half century by Laura Wolvaardt. A real captain’s knock to guide her team to an historic victory. #AUSvSA
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) January 28, 2024
Great innings by Laura Wolvaardt to get South Africa their first win v Australia. #AUSvSA
— Scott Rea (@ScottRea) January 28, 2024
So first ever win for South Africa against Australia in Australia after playing 24 international women’s cricket match. All credit goes to the Captain Laura Wolvaardt.#AUSvSA
— Asheesh (@Asheesh00007) January 28, 2024
HISTORY IN WOMEN’S CRICKET
South Africa women beat Australia women for the First time ever
2nd T20I
AUS-W : 142/6(20)
SA-W : 144/4(19)#AUSvSA | #AUSvsSA pic.twitter.com/FAnO5g6iPe
— Don Cricket 🏏 (@doncricket_) January 28, 2024
Also READ: ICC unveils Women’s T20I team of the Year 2023; only one Indian makes the cut
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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