BAN Women vs SA Women, 20th Match, Group 1 at Cape Town, WT20 WC, Feb 21 2023 - Match Result

What a turnaround it has been for South Africa as they make it to a home semi-final after starting off the tournament with a shock loss against Sri Lanka. They will take on England on Friday, and we will be here when they do, providing every update as it comes. But, till then, on behalf of Sudarshanan, this is Ashish Pant, signing off. Ciao!

Sune Luus, the South Africa captain: A bit of a nervy start. But they [Wolvaardt and Brits] are world class players. Just happy with a win and hopefully it continues in the semis. [Bowlers] They were excellent. They hit the straps, and 113 was below par on the surface, and we were confident chasing. [Qualifying for the semis at home] It is the first one in South Africa. Newlands was packed tonight, hopefully, will be for Friday's game as well. It is a massive honour. It is an incredible feeling. We will just go home and soak it in. Newlands has been amazing tonight and hopefully everyone is here on Friday

Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain: We had to put on 140. But I guess we couldn't manage runs in the powerplay. We will try and play better cricket next time. Very difficult when you are defending a small total and the fielders miss out. We will have to work on that. Marufa and Shorna have been incredible. So grateful they have come in the team and performed. They are very energetic and just wanted to perform. Thanks to the Bangladesh crowd. They are here and are always supporting us,

Time for the presentation.

Krypto: "Well done SA Women, was a great game to watch. Now for the upsets fingers crossed , going to be passion and fire either way, trots. "

Sriram : "What a find Marufa Akhter has been in this WC. Along with Orla Prendergast she has been the young Cricketer to watch out"

Laura Wolvaardt is the Player of the Match: Taz and I were under a bit of pressure. Was a bit of a mental innings to stay in it. We made it look a bit harder. It was a nice wicket to bat on. The bowling unit deserves this trophy. So special to play at Newlands. The way we started the innings, to make the semis is great. Feels very good. Had a very frustrating tournament so far, so this feels very good.

9.55pm South Africa will now take on England in semi-final number 2 on February 24 at this very venue. The scorecard says South Africa win by ten wickets, but Bangladesh did not make life easy for them. The bowlers showed fight, make no doubt about it, but were often not supported in the field. South Africa stuttered in the first ten overs with both Brits and Wolvaardt failing to find their timing. They could only score 43 runs at the halfway stage, but the duo flicked a switch and started timing the ball much better. The boundaries started to flow and the Bangladesh bowlers started to err. While Wolvaardt finished 66*, Brits was unbeaten on 50. Eventually, South Africa won with 13 balls to spare.

Eight to win now. Brits on 49.

Chandan: "Irrespective of the boundaries and if she get a fifty, this is not the Best outing for Brits. Any other team would have taken advantage of her slow scoring. "

Only 12 needed now off 20 balls.

Sultana was the fielder who ran from extra cover, and she seems to have jammed her knee on the ground while going for the catch. The physio is out to have a look.

Daz: "What a well executed run chase on a tricky pitch, it's S.A's to lose"

Marufa back

South Africa need 31 off the last five overs. All wickets in hand. These two have to take their side home. Nahida is back from around the wicket.

Sriram: "Got to give credit to Bangladesh for making this no easy for SA. They would love 20 more runs to take this to last ball but I think SA might finish by the 19th"