Alana King produced a record-breaking bowling performance to guide Australia to a commanding victory over South Africa, cementing their unbeaten run in the Women’s Cricket World Cup.
King’s extraordinary figures of 7-18 dismantled the South African batting lineup, restricting them to just 97 runs in Indore. Australia comfortably chased the target, winning by seven wickets with 33 overs to spare, and secured the top spot in the round-robin stage.
The triumph ensures Australia will face host nation India in a semi-final clash in Mumbai on Thursday. South Africa will meet England in the other semi-final, with Saturday’s match set to determine the final ladder positions.
King’s performance, which lasted just over three hours, is already being hailed as one of the greatest spells in World Cup history. Her seven-wicket haul marks the fifth-best figures by any woman in ODI cricket, the best by an Australian woman, and the first instance of a seven-wicket haul in a World Cup match.
“I love putting Australia in a strong position,” King said. “I’ve focused on becoming more consistent with my stock delivery and trusting it—and it’s paid off.”
The Victorian spinner has been in sensational form, recording 10-56 across her last three matches, delivering 27 overs at an economy rate of just over two runs per over. But Saturday’s display against South Africa was on another level.
King opened her spell with 4-0 from 2.3 overs, removing key players including Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta, Masabata Klaas, and finally Nadine de Klerk, leaving the South African lineup in tatters.
Australia’s reply saw early setbacks with Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry dismissed cheaply. However, Georgia Voll steadied the innings with an unbeaten 38 at the top, while Beth Mooney contributed 42. Captain Alyssa Healy, recovering from a strained calf, returned to training ahead of the semi-final.
The victory comes amid off-field challenges for the team. Cricket Australia confirmed that two players were allegedly stalked and inappropriately touched by a man during the week, an incident that has been reported to police, leading to an arrest.
Australia’s dominance, powered by King’s historic spell, positions them as strong contenders as the tournament moves into the knockout stage.
