Women’s T20 World Cup: South Africa stutters against Bangladesh, puts pressure on India

T20 World Cup, Group 1, Lord’s

Bangladesh 117-5 (20 overs): Mostari 42 (48); Mlaba 2-22

South Africa 118-6 (19.2 overs): Derksen 45 (45); Nahida 2-24

South Africa won by four wickets

Scorecard. table

South Africa stuttered in their run to the World Twenty20 semi-finals after beating Bangladesh by four wickets in their last group match at Lord’s, but eventually put the pressure on India.

After coming through a scintillating 118-run chase, the Proteas advance to play England on Thursday, whom they beat in last year’s 50-over World Cup semi-final, unless India beat unbeaten Australia later on Sunday (14:30 BST).

However, South Africa have yet to convince in this tournament.

Having beaten India and trailed by 208-1 in their previous two games against the Netherlands, they put in a listless batting performance reminiscent of their first two games.

Captain Laura Olvard fell on the first ball of the chase, her off-stump knocked by Marufa Akhter’s inswinger and the Proteas were 59-3 at the halfway stage when Dane van Niekerk was trapped lbw for three runs.

Anery Derksen threatened to take them home but he was reduced to 45 in the 15th over after which the boundaries dried up and tensions mounted.

Marijan Kapp was run out for 16 and was caught at deep mid-wicket by Nadine de Klerk with five runs needed before Chloe Tryon hit a four and cleared the off side to seal victory with four balls to spare.

South Africa were at least good with the ball.

Cap bowled Zuairia Ferdous on the first ball of the match and despite late middle-order resistance from Sobhana Mostari’s alert 42 and skipper Nigar Sultana’s unbeaten 32, Bangladesh still managed 117-5.

But, after an affair that turned out to be much more exciting than it should have been, they face a nervous wait to see if Australia can send them through with a win over India.