Proteas book semi spot with Aussies help

THE Proteas Women are through to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-finals after a nerve-shredding afternoon at Lord’s ended in celebration for South Africa yesterday.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

Having kept their own hopes alive by overcoming a tense batting collapse to edge Bangladesh by four wickets, South Africa's place in the final four was officially sealed hours later when Australia completed a clinical six-wicket victory over India. The combined results mean the Proteas finish second in Group A and march on to a blockbuster semi-final showdown against England at The Oval on Thursday.

While the Proteas’ opening bowlers proved too hot to handle for Bangladesh, the South African batters were made to sweat before eking out a nervy victory.

Marizanne Kapp set the tone with the very first ball of the match, claiming her 100th T20 International wicket by clean-bowling Juairiya Ferdous, after Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat. The fiery Shabnim Ismail then trapped Taj Nehar plumb in front to become the leading wicket-taker in ICC Women's T20 World Cup history with 49 scalps.