The Proteas Women’s team and defending champions Australia will meet in a rematch of last year’s T20 World Cup final in the first semi-final in Dubai today (4pm start).

Zaahier Adams highlights five match-ups that could potentially determine the outcome of the much-anticipated clash...

Laura Wolvaardt v Beth Mooney

The two openers are the glue that holds their respective teams together. Mooney is the epitome of ‘BMT’, often holding her best performances for the semis and finals.

Wolvaardt, now as the Proteas skipper, leads from the front, and the Aussies will know that getting her cheaply is half the battle won. However, the SA captain has some unfinished business after taking her team close but not over the line in the final last year at Newlands.

United As One 🏏🌍📸

Every challenge, every game, we rise together. Now to conquer the semi-final on Thursday!

Let’s make history, Proteas Women! 💪🖼️#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #T20WorldCup #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/RUnq3zwQ9A
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 16, 2024

Marizanne Kapp v Ellyse Perry

Two of the premier all-rounders in the world game. Perry’s trophy cabinet may be adorned with every global title, but she still has the desire to claim even more silverware, especially in the shortest format after reinventing herself a couple of years ago.

Kapp, meanwhile, knows that her international career is approaching its twilight stage, and while she has won numerous franchise league titles, she wants nothing more than global success with the Proteas. Both are likely to have a major influence on the game with bat and ball.

Loved every single moment… #t20worldcup #blessed pic.twitter.com/goVSH0fGLl
— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) October 16, 2024

Chloe Tryon v Ashleigh Gardener

Both these players possess ‘X-factor’ in abundance. Tryon has yet to really hit her straps in the UAE, but she does have the power game to change the course of a match in a couple of balls.

Her left-arm spin has also become a vital component of the Proteas’ attack.

Gardener’s impact with both bat and ball is vital to Australia’s cause, though, as was seen last year when she was named Player of the Tournament at the T20 World Cup in South Africa.

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Nonkululeko Mlaba v Sophie Molineux

The battle of the southpaws will be fascinating to watch. After a tough run-in to the T20 World Cup, Mlaba has hit form at just the right time for the Proteas.

‘Lefty’ has been in phenomenal form in the UAE, especially in Dubai, claiming eight wickets already in the competition, and will be eager to show her wares against the powerful Aussie line-up.

Equally, Molineux has enjoyed the spin-friendly conditions and has seven wickets of her own.

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Ayabonga Khaka v Megan Schutt

It has been tough going for the seamers in the UAE, but Schutt has shown her experience in all conditions by leading the Aussie attack with aplomb.

Through a combination of cutters and slower balls, Schutt has been highly effective.

Khaka, meanwhile, has been consistent in her new opening-bowler’s role after Shabnim Ismail’s retirement. She hasn’t picked up a big wicket haul yet, but has been frugal in the Powerplay.

#ayabonga-khaka

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Five key player match-ups in Proteas v Australia Dubai semi-final