SA W VS AUS W MATCH 26

And that's a wrap! Australia takes the win and tops the table, setting up a thrilling semifinal clash with India on October 30. Meanwhile, South Africa's journey continues as they face England in the first semifinal on October 29. We've got an exciting double-header on Sunday to look forward to, with England taking on New Zealand at 5:30 AM GMT, followed by the final league game at 9:30 AM GMT. Stay tuned for more cricket action! Cheers.

Australian captain Tahlia McGrath praised Alana King's outstanding performance, saying she was almost unstoppable with the ball. McGrath appreciated the team's calm approach in response to Wolvaardt's fast start, allowing their pacers to adjust their plans and take crucial wickets. She also highlighted King's X-factor role, bringing her on early to capitalize on her impact. McGrath was pleased with the team's intent in batting and the partnership between Georgia Voll and Beth Mooney.

South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, reflected on their recent match, stating that while they didn't end the group stage as they'd hoped, they'll focus on the positives from the tournament as they head into the semifinals. Wolvaardt praised Alana King's exceptional bowling and noted that batting first wasn't the worst thing, as it gave them a chance to practice. She emphasized the team's strong performance throughout the World Cup, with different players stepping up, and expressed hope that this momentum would continue into the semifinals, where they'll face England. Wolvaardt also mentioned that the loss to England earlier in the tournament was a learning experience and that they're looking forward to the rematch.

Alana King is the Player Of The Match. King expressed her satisfaction with her performance, noting that the conditions were somewhat similar to the England game, with the ball expected to skid on due to the drizzle. She emphasized her love for taking wickets and her willingness to play any role for Australia, whether it's holding one end or taking wickets. King attributed the variation in her deliveries to natural factors, such as the ball hitting the leather or the stitching, and emphasized the importance of controlling what she can – the quality of her deliveries. She also highlighted her approach of not changing her game plan and instead focusing on executing it to the best of her abilities.

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Earlier, Alana King wreaked havoc with the ball for Australia, claiming 7 wickets for 18 runs in 7 overs as South Africa were bowled out for 97 in 24 overs. King became the first bowler to take a seven-wicket haul in a Women's World Cup match, running through the middle and lower order with precision and control. Laura Wolvaardt and Sinalo Jafta were the only South African batters to show resistance, scoring 31 and 29 respectively. Megan Schutt, Kim Garth, and Ashleigh Gardner also chipped in with a wicket each as Australia reduced South Africa to tatters.

Despite the small target, Marizanne Kapp gave South Africa a promising start by dismissing Phoebe Litchfield for 5 and Ellyse Perry for a duck, courtesy of Masabata Klaas. However, these early breakthroughs failed to make a significant impact as Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll formed a crucial partnership, guiding Australia to victory with ease. The partnership proved to be the decisive factor in a match that was largely one-sided.

South Africa's early wickets of Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry didn't spark a turnaround as Australia's target was modest. A partnership between Beth Mooney and Georgia Voll efficiently wrapped up the win, with Voll finishing unbeaten on 33 and Annabel Sutherland impressing in her brief cameo of 10 off 4. Beth Mooney top-scored for the defending champions with 42 (41). The form of Ellyse Perry still remains an area of concern for the Aussies heading into the semis.

Australia cruised to a convincing 7-wicket win, securing the top spot and a semifinal berth against hosts India on October 30. Alana King was phenomenal and instrumental in this win, claiming 7 for 18, a record-breaking performance in Women's World Cup history.

Australia Women win this game by 7 wickets as Annabel Sutherland hits this towards the sweeper cover region for a couple. With this victory, Australia Women seals the top spot in the league stage and remains the only team yet to taste defeat in this campaign.

On a length around off, Annabel Sutherland punches this straight to the fielder.

FOUR! And another one from the bat of Annabel Sutherland. Pitched up on middle and leg, Annabel Sutherland drives this wide to the fielder at mid on to her left and finds the fence.

FOUR! GLORIOUS FOM ANNABEL! On a length around off, Annabel Sutherland gets right on top of the bounce and drives this all along the carpet through the cover region for a boundary.

Good length on middle and leg, Georgia Voll smashes this to deep mid-wicket for one.

Annabel Sutherland walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT! On a length wide of off, Beth Mooney stays leg side to it and smashes this off the middle of her bat. Hits this close to Laura Wolvaardt at short cover and she takes it just inches over the ground. The umpire sends this upstairs to check the fairness of the catch and the TV replay shows that the fingers of Laura Wolvaardt were underneath the ball and Beth Mooney departs.

OUT! CAUGHT! On a length wide of off, Beth Mooney stays leg side to it and smashes this off the middle of her bat. Hits this close to Laura Wolvaardt at short cover and she takes it just inches over the ground. The umpire sends this upstairs to check the fairness of the catch and the TV replay shows that the fingers of Laura Wolvaardt were underneath the ball and Beth Mooney departs.