Proteas march into World Cup semi-finals after Australia down India

The Proteas Women booked their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals after Australia completed a six-wicket victory over India at Lord’s on Sunday.

Earlier in the day, South Africa had done their part by edging Bangladesh by four wickets to finish second in Group A on eight points, before anxiously awaiting the outcome of the tournament’s final league match.

India posted a competitive 170/4 after captain Harmanpreet Kaur hammered 56 off 27 balls, supported by Smriti Mandhana (38), Shafali Verma (34) and Jemimah Rodrigues (34).

𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 🇿🇦

The Proteas lock in the final spot in the #T20WorldCup semi-finals 👏 pic.twitter.com/0nmV85zbQk

— ICC (@ICC) June 28, 2026

Australia, however, produced another clinical chase, reaching 171/4 with eight balls to spare as Ellyse Perry struck 56 and Ashleigh Gardner blasted an unbeaten 53 off 29 deliveries before Ashleigh Gardner smashed an unbeaten 53 from 29 balls to carry the Australian team home.

The result sent South Africa into Thursday’s second semi-final against England at The Oval, while Australia will face West Indies in Tuesday’s first semi-final, also at The Oval.