History made as SA women advance into Indoor Hockey World Cup semis, SA men bow out

11.02.2023 - 09:47 news24.com

South Africa’s women’s hockey team made history on Friday after becoming the first African nation to reach the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup semi-finals after defeating Belgium 2-1 in Tshwane.However, SA’s men’s team, who had already reached their best-ever tournament stage, bowed out in the quarter-finals to the Netherlands 6-3, after going down 5-0 at half-time.On a day when they celebrated Jess Lardant reaching 50 appearances for the national team, SA’s women’s side became the toast of the evening on Friday following their historic achievement.SA had built their tournament run on the back of a gritty defence, arguably the strongest at the tournament.

But they came out firing on the attack in the early exchanges and may have taken an early lead had Kayla de Waal not shot narrowly wide.

The hosts were on top and got their dues when their opening goal came through captain fantastic Jessica O’Connor.A historical moment in South African Sporting history as the SPAR South Africa womens Indoor hockey team earned Africa's first ever World Cup Semi-Final.

The Emotions were high. We are Proudly South African#IHWC2023 pic.twitter.com/Yi4HuA1dpJSA won a penalty corner, took it from the reverse side and produced a sensational strike from the skipper to open the scoring.

hockey Proteas cup as Belgium Netherlands South Africa

Star batter Jemimah Rodrigues admitted on Thursday that India's heartbreaking loss against Australia in the semi-final of the Women's T20 World Cup is still haunting the players, adding that the Women's Premier League (WPL) would help ease the pain a bit. Jemimah and India captain Harmanpreet Kaur's 69-run fourth-wicket stand had put India in pole position to push for victory but the end of their partnership led the side to a five-run defeat against Meg Lanning's Australia. "It has taken a while, honestly. We were in South Africa for two days after the semis (loss). Everyone was not in a great headspace. But coming here (for WPL), being with the family for two days (has helped ease the pain)," Jemimah said during a Delhi Capitals event in Mumbai.

Proteas trio named in Women's T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament

Proteas opening pair Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, and fast bowler Shabnim Ismail were selected in the ICC's Women's T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament.

Richa Ghosh Lone Indian In Women's T20 World Cup Player Of Tournament Shortlist

Young wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh was the lone Indian among nine players shortlisted for the Women's T20 World Cup Player of the Tournament. India made a semifinal exit with a heartbreaking five-run loss against five-time champions Australia in Cape Town on Thursday. The 19-year-old's shone in her role as a finisher in South Africa. She smashed two scores in the 40s including an unbeaten 47 against England that took her side to within sight of victory.

'Invincible' Australia Stand Between South Africa And Women's T20 World Cup Title

South Africa will get their fairytale finish at home if they find a way to halt the Australian juggernaut in the Women's T20 World Cup final in Cape Town on Sunday. South Africa showed commendable fighting spirit to upset England in the semifinal but they will need to stitch together a perfect game to topple the mighty Australia, who are the record five-time champions and are in their seventh successive final. South Africa have made rapid strides over the past 12 months and after making the semifinals of the ODI World Cup last year, they entered their maiden final of an ICC event here on Friday.

Tazmin Brits, Ayabonga Khaka Lead Stunning South Africa Into Women's T20 World Cup Final

Tazmin Brits and Ayabonga Khaka inspired a shock six-run victory for South Africa against England in their Women's T20 World Cup semi-final at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday. Brits hit 68 in a South African total of 164 for four, then held four catches, two of them exceptional, as England were restricted to 158 for eight. South Africa will meet defending champions and heavy favourites Australia in the final at the same venue on Sunday.

Brits steers South Africa into Women’s T20 World Cup final

CAPE TOWN :Tazmin Brits propelled South Africa to an upset six-run win over England on Friday, top scoring and taking four catches at Newlands as the hosts booked their place against Australia in Sunday’s Women’s Twenty20 World Cup final.