Wolvaardt shines, SA seal semi-final berth
SYDNEY: Laura Wolvaardt smacked a crucial 53 as South Africa whipped Pakistan to make only their second women’s Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals Sunday, where they were joined by former champions England who swept past the West Indies.
Proteas captain Dane van Niekerk won the toss and opted to bat on a slow track at Sydney Showgrounds, with her team making a competitive 136 for six, boosted by Wolvaardt’s late fireworks. In reply Pakistan, missing captain Bismah Maroof who was ruled out of the tournament on
Saturday with a broken thumb, could only manage 119 for five.
“I’m really happy, but have to give credit to Pakistan, they gave it a massive go and kept coming at us,” said van Niekerk.
“It was an incredible game to be a part of,” she added, while paying tribute to Wolvaardt.
“It’s only her third time batting at five, she usually bats at the top, and to display her skills like that, she got us the winning total.”
South Africa have won three from three in Group B — including a six-wicket humbling of England and a 113-run thumping of Thailand — to make a second T20 semi-final following their efforts in 2014.
England, 2009 champions and runners up at the last tournament, secured their place with a comfortable 46-run win over the West Indies, courtesy of fine bowling and a battling 57 from Natalie Sciver. India are already through from Group A, with defending champions Australia playing Kiwis on Monday to determine who gets the last berth. BRIEF SCORES
England vs West Indies: England 143/5 in 20 overs (N Sciver 57), West Indies 97 in 17.1 overs (Sophie
Ecclestone 3-7, Sarah Glenn 2-16) Pakistan vs Sa:south Africa 136/2 (L Wolvaardt 53*, M Kapp 31; D Baig 2/19); Pakistan 119/5, 20 overs (Aliya Riaz 39*; Shabnim Ismail 1/20)