South Africa Women vs Australia Women live score: Alana King’s 7/18 routs Proteas for 97 at the Women’s World Cup

Australia seized control of a top-of-the-table World Cup clash in Indore, bundling South Africa out for 97 in 24 overs after opting to bowl. Leg-spinner Alana King produced a stunning 7/18—the tournament’s benchmark spell—turning a brisk South African start into a dramatic collapse and leaving Australia a chase of 98 to secure the No. 1 semi-final seed.

Australia vs South Africa Women: match situation and why it matters

• Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

• Toss: Australia bowled first

• South Africa: 97 all out (24 ov)

• Target for Australia: 98

• Stakes: Winner takes top spot heading into the semi-finals (schedule subject to change)

Both sides arrived on winning streaks and with knockout places already sealed, but the top seed—and potential semifinal matchup advantages—were on the line. Australia’s attack handled that pressure emphatically.

How Alana King flipped the innings

South Africa launched with intent through the powerplay, but once the ball softened, King wrested control with dip, drift, and ripping leg-breaks. Her spell featured:

• Relentless lengths: Good-length leg-spin that threatened both edges, forcing South Africa’s middle order into indecision.

• Momentum swings in clusters: Quick strikes removed set batters, then exposed the lower order to turn and variable pace.

• Record impact: 7 wickets for 18 runs in 7 overs, including the final blow to end the innings in the 24th over.

Support from the seamers was key early—new-ball pressure produced the first breakthroughs—before the off-spin/leg-spin squeeze shut the scoring windows. A lone resistance from the lower middle order briefly nudged the total toward three figures, but King returned to finish it.

South Africa Women scorecard snapshot

• Total: 97 all out (24.0 ov)

• Last wicket: Nadine de Klerk b King 14 (23)

• At the end: Nonkululeko Mlaba 1 (4)*

• Bowling standout: Alana King 7–2–18–7

• Support: Off-spin chipped in with a bowled dismissal late; the new ball claimed both openers after an early burst from the captain.

Phase summary: South Africa were well-placed at 40+ with one down, then slid to 90-8 as spin controlled lines, lengths, and fields. The final six wickets fell for under 60 runs across a rapid middle-overs squeeze.

Chase keys for Australia Women (Target: 98)

1. Powerplay discipline over ambition: No scoreboard pressure means shot selection can stay conservative. Strike rotation and low-risk placements will outvalue aerial hits.

2. Neutralize new-ball shape: South Africa’s seamers can find early movement in Indore. Watch for close-shoulder leaves, late under-the-eyes drives, and assertive running to break maiden pressure.

3. Avoid spin traps: Expect South Africa to mirror Australia’s formula with attacking fields for spin. Sweeps and back-foot punches must come off lengths rather than premeditation.

Tactical notes and matchups to watch

• Left-right balance vs turn: Australia’s top order can manufacture angles to spoil off-spin rhythm; singles through square leg and late cuts will be premium strokes.

• Fielding intensity: South Africa need direct hits and cordon sharpness to create chances from dots. Anything less, and the chase becomes a procession.

• Tempo management: With such a low target, Australia can treat the innings like a long net: build partnerships, bank minutes in the middle, and keep risk minimal unless required.

Live numbers at a glance

Best bowling: Alana King 7/18 (7 ov) with two maidens.

What’s next if Australia finish the job

A routine chase would bank top seeding and reinforce a formula that travels into knockouts: new-ball discipline, a dual-spin choke, and ruthless conversion once the door opens. For South Africa, the reset is straightforward but urgent—tighten powerplay shot selection and build spin playbooks for surfaces that grip.

Developing: Australia’s chase is about to begin. This report will reflect the first-innings completion and current target; details may evolve with the second-innings progression.