Cricket: Tough task for South Africa

South Africa will need a minor miracle to beat Australia in the first semifinal of the women's World Cup cricket tournament at Christchurch today.

Australia, the reigning champions, have swept all before them, including beating South Africa by nine wickets in their round-robin match last week.

South Africa can be well satisfied with their achievement of finishing fourth and qualifying for the semifinals, considering the women's game started in that country just five years ago.

They have made big advances since first contesting the World Cup in 1997, but that improvement is unlikely to come fast enough for them to topple Australia.

The match will be played on a Lincoln Oval pitch especially prepared for the semifinals. It could provide early assistance to the seamers before settling into a good batting strip.

The other semifinal, between New Zealand and India, is on Wednesday.

South African coach Rodney Willemburg is aware of the huge challenge awaiting his side and believes that Australia and New Zealand will meet in Saturday's final.

"New Zealand may be a little better in bowling and Australia in batting, but it's hard to say," Willemburg said.

In the final round-robin phase on Saturday, Australia thrashed the Netherlands by 10 wickets and South Africa beat Ireland by nine wickets.

- NZPA