The final on Sunday will be a historic occasion, as it will not feature either Australia or England for the first time. South Africa’s opponents will be determined by the outcome of the second semi-final between West Indies and New Zealand, scheduled for Friday.
Australia, who have emerged victorious in six of the last eight tournaments, were the heavy favourites to secure a seventh championship in the United Arab Emirates.
However, they found themselves outclassed by the South Africans, who also avenged their defeat to Australia in the previous year’s final in Cape Town.
After being asked to bat first, Australia found themselves in trouble from the outset. Even the usually free-scoring Beth Mooney had to work hard for her top score of 44, which included only two boundaries.