The Proteas ladies’s group produced a prime all-round efficiency to thump Bangladesh and arrange an attractive ICC T20 Women’s World Cup semifinal conflict in opposition to England on Friday afternoon.
Going into their ultimate pool match on Tuesday evening the Proteas knew all they wanted to do was get a win to ease into the semis on web run charge, over New Zealand and Sri Lanka, who they completed even on factors with.
After limiting Bangladesh to simply 113/6 of their 20 overs, openers Laura Wolvaardt (66) and Tazmin Brits (50) struck unbeaten half centuries to lead their facet to a ten wicket win with 13 balls to spare.
Early strain
Although it was a cushty win ultimately, a very gradual begin with the bat meant the Proteas had been underneath a little bit of strain at the midway mark of the innings on simply 43, earlier than placing on the fashion with 70 runs coming off the subsequent 47 balls to ease residence.
“Taz and I were under a bit of pressure at the halfway mark. We didn’t get off to the best start. So it was a bit of a mental innings for us to just stay in and trust that the runs were going to come at the end. I am very happy that we were able to stay in and push it through,” stated participant of the match Wolvaardt.
“I believe we made it look a bit tougher than it was up entrance. It was a really good wicket to bat on. I really assume our bowling unit deserves this (participant of the match) trophy. To prohibit them to 110 on a very good wicket like that was wonderful.
“We just struggled to find our timing up front but it was a very nice wicket.”
‘Special’
Looking forward to the semifinal in opposition to England at the identical floor, Wolvaardt is hopeful that the Proteas can construct on the momentum constructed after a troublesome begin to the World Cup, whereas she can be glad to have discovered some kind at the fitting time.
“It is so special to be able to play in a semifinal at Newlands. Looking at where we started the tournament with that loss against Sri Lanka, I think the way we have pulled together as a group and to make it this far has been really good,” stated Wolvaardt.
“Hopefully we can have a good game in the semis. It feels really good (to find form). I’ve had a very frustrating tournament so far, so this one feels really good.”
‘Bowlers were excellent’
Proteas captain Sune Luus echoed the emotions of her star opening batter, claiming that she all the time backed her gamers to pull it by regardless of the gradual begin to the chase, whereas she was effusive in her reward of the bowling division’s efforts.
“It was good that they batted through and took us home. It was a bit of a nervy start, but you’ve just got to back your players, and I think they are world class players. Laura showed that and Tazmin as well. So I am just happy with the win and hopefully we can continue that in the semis,” stated Luus.
“They (the bowlers) were excellent. They hit their straps tonight again and I think 113 was below par on this wicket. So we always knew that if we got them below 120 we were in for a good chase.”
It was Luus’ one hundredth T20 worldwide for the Proteas and he or she was proud to have led her group to a house semifinal on Friday the place they’re hoping for a packed crowd to flip up and cheer them on.
“It is a massive honour. I think this was the game I did the least. I was just a spectator to everyone around me tonight. But it’s an incredible feeling. I think we are going to go back now, reflect and soak it all in. I don’t think this opportunity comes around very often,” admitted Luus.
“Newlands has been absolutely amazing. Hopefully everyone comes out on Friday at three ‘o clock. I know Cape Town doesn’t work past two on a Friday, so hopefully everyone is here.”
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