CAPE TOWN: Unbeaten half-centuries from the openers and a combined bowling effort led South Africa to the semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as they dominated Bangladesh by ten wickets in the final Group 1 match on Tuesday. 

South Africa found a hard-fought spot in the final four, and play England in the second semi-final on February 24, only after a bumpy ride in the group stage where they lost to Sri Lanka in the opening match of the tournament and then to mighty Australia.

It was a do-or-die situation for the hosts as the side barely made its way into the knockout stage – equal on points with New Zealand but with a superior run rate.

Set to chase 114, openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits carried the bats with 66 and 50, respectively, and took South Africa home with 13 balls to spare. 

Earlier, Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka claimed two wickets each to contain Bangladesh at 113/6 in the 20 overs.

Electing to bat first, Bangladesh put up a lacklustre batting effort and lacked the fire which could have taken them to a respectable total.

Sobhana Mostary and skipper Nigar Sultana anchored the batting in the middle but that at an unimpressive strike rate which stuck Bangladesh at 55/2 in 12 overs. 

Mosatary made 27 from 30 balls while captain Sultana managed 30 off 34 balls before she left the crease in the 17th over.

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