Preamble
Hello again! For those who were with me earlier for the rained out first semi, we’ll maintain the same pretence (for the sake of sanity) and prepare as though there will be a start at the scheduled time. Of course, that won’t happen – and whether they can get on later for a ten-over smash is anyone’s guess – but let’s give it a go.
For Australia, it remains as it has since losing their tournament opener against India – they just have to win. For themselves as a team, to deliver on the promise of their dominance in this format, and for those who have invested so much in trying to fill the MCG for Sunday’s final on International Women’s Day.
If they play as they did against New Zealand on Monday, they are well placed: it was a far more comprehensive victory than the four-run margin suggested. That the SCG is the ground where Alyssa Healy and Ash Gardner have done some of their best work can only help, too. Not that it offsets the loss of Ellyse Perry. It will be interesting at the toss what they do there. For mine, I’d include Delissa Kimmince. All that experience and variety; never should have been dropped.
As for South Africa, the main question is whether their own superstar all-rounder, Marizanne Kapp, will be fit to play – she has been knocked around with a virus. This is the Proteas third semi in major tournaments, the most recent coming at the 2017 ODI World Cup when they came ever so close to knocking off the hosts in a thriller. After beating England in their first game here – undefeated thereafter – they have earned their status as the team who to progress if the rain doesn’t stop.
It will need to by 8:36pm local – that’s when we need to see the toss held, (with a start at 8:51pm ) – in order to get the ten overs in for both teams. The attitude from the groundstaff will be simple: whatever it takes. If they can’t, it will be a dreadful way for the hosts and defending champions to bow out. Stand by.
Updated