Australia remained undefeated in the women's divisions when the preliminary rounds of the Indoor Cricket World Cup concluded in Brisbane on Thursday night, but the hosts are set to face a stern test in the upcoming major semi finals.
The Australian women warmed up for the finals with a crushing 122-run defeat of Wales, and there was plenty of excitement as the jockeying for the other finals positions went right down to the line.
New Zealand claimed a hard-fought 14-run win over South Africa, but having only taken one skin from that match, were unable to dislodge the South Africans from second spot on the ladder.
The South African women then eased to a 41-run over England and captain Hanri Strydom was confident her side could cause an upset on Friday.
"We're expecting a tough game from the Australians, but we haven't played at our best yet, so we're going to give them a go for their money," Strydom said.
"I don't think we lost against them (in the two preliminary rounds), I think we gave the games to them - we're getting a bit of our passion back and tomorrow will be a different day."
Wales (nine points) snuck into fourth place in front of England (eight points) after taking one skin away from their 67-run loss to New Zealand. The pair will meet again at 10am in the women's minor semi final.
Australia, defending champion in every division, also finished atop the standings in 19 & Under Girls classes.
