South Africa’s final group game against Australia is a huge one. The Proteas have already qualified for the semi-finals, but they could still finish first, second, or third, depending on how this match and England’s clash with New Zealand go this weekend.
The simplest scenario is South Africa will top the log if they beat the Aussies in Indore. That will be much easier said than done against the only undefeated squad in the World Cup, but it would secure a more favorable matchup with India in the last four.
Here is a look ahead at the contest.
South Africa VS Australia Venue: Holkar Stadium, Indore
South Africa VS Australia Date: Saturday, October 25
South Africa VS Australia Odds:
History
Australia has 11 points from six matches played. Their only dropped point of the World Cup came in their Round 2 contest when rain meant that they and Sri Lanka shared the points without a ball being bowled.
South Africa recovered from a devastating opening round defeat against England, where the Proteas barely laid a glove on their opponents in a 10-wicket defeat. From there, South Africa has rattled off five wins in a row, most recently beating Pakistan by 150 runs via the DLS method in another weather-affected match.
Both these countries would rather go to New Mumbai to face India than to Suwahati to face England. That is the gulf in class between the top three on the log and the host nation.
Historically, South Africa and Australia don’t play often in women’s cricket. A multi-format series took place at the beginning of 2024, but that was the first meeting in eight years after an ODI-only series in 2016. That unfamiliarity lends an air of uncertainty to this one, especially in the one-and-done format.
South Africa
South Africa has been impressive in its recovery from losing positions to make it this far. They were 81 for 5 against India before chasing down 252 and 78 for 5 against the spinners of Bangladesh before rallying to cover 233. That ability to fight out of holes means that his team is as confident as it is talented.
Five batters have scored over 150 runs combined during the six matches in this comp, cementing that this unit is never out of a game until the last ball has been bowled.
Australia
Alyssa Healy is a doubt for Australia, and the lean is that they will err on the side of caution and get her fit for the knockout stage if needed.
One of their big stars at this tournament was Annabel Sutherland. The all-rounder has shone with both the bat and the ball as part of a team that is relentless in its pressure from the first over.
Best Bets
Laura Volvaardt is 6/1 to be the best batter on the day, behind five Australians in the betting. I like her to do well in this spot, as she is a player who always seems to rise to the occasion.
At 73/20, South Africa seems incredibly undervalued here. While Australia has been dominant, the Proteas are in fine form and have the batting against leg spin to really hurt the Aussies. It is worth a punt in my eyes.
