South Africa kept their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Lord’s on Sunday. Chasing a target of 118, the Proteas reached the finish in 19.2 overs after overcoming a tense batting collapse.
The chase got off to a disastrous start as captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed by Marufa Aktar with the very first ball. Dane van Niekerk also departed cheaply, leaving South Africa under pressure despite the modest target.
Annerie Dercksen steadied the innings with a valuable 45-run knock, but her dismissal in the 15th over sparked another wobble. Marizanne Kapp was run out for 16, while Nadine de Klerk fell with just five runs needed.
Chloe Tryon held her nerve in the closing stages, striking the winning boundary and guiding South Africa to victory with four balls remaining.
Earlier, South Africa’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance after Marizanne Kapp struck with the opening delivery to dismiss Juairiya Ferdous. Sobhana Mostary top-scored for Bangladesh with 42, while captain Nigar Sultana remained unbeaten on 32. Bangladesh finished on 117/5 from their 20 overs.
The victory keeps South Africa in contention for the semi-finals. They will face England in the last four if India fail to defeat Australia in the final Group A fixture.