South Africa Women have made it to next year’s International Cricket Council Women’s World Cup after hammering Ireland Women by seven wickets in the semifinals of the World Cup qualifier tournament in Stellenbosch.
Ireland Women were skittled for 107 in 47.4 overs as the South African bowlers gave them no breathing space. Alicia Smith snared 2-29 and Sunette Loubser 2-12 in 10 overs. Then, the Proteas made the required total of 108 for the loss of three wickets in 27.4 overs.
Opener Olivia Anderson was again voted player of the match for her unbeaten 46. On Tuesday, the Western Province player smashed 91 in the match against Papua New Guinea.
The South Africans, who are still undefeated in this tournament, will play against another unbeaten side, Pakistan Women, who accounted for The Netherlands in the semifinals. The final will be held on Sunday at Stellenbosch University 1 Ground.
”We are quite ecstatic that we made the finals. It’s a great relief that we have overcome this hurdle. We now look forward to be in Australia in a year’s time,” said South Africa captain Cri-Zelda Brits. — Sapa