South Africa, England power into semis
SYDNEY: Laura Wolvaardt smacked a crucial 53 as South Africa whipped Pakistan to make only their second women’s Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals yesterday, 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 sixwicket humbling of England and a 113run 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.
England won the toss and powered to a competitive 143 for five, with the West Indies ending on a paltry 97.
“It was just very professional, we knew we had to keep it simple and that’s what we did today,” said England captain Heather Knight. “We’ve been playing knockout cricket from the second game and we’ve reacted very well. Hopefully we can carry that forward.”
India are already through from Group A, with defending champions Australia playing New Zealand on Monday to determine who gets the last berth.