India and South Africa picked up Women’s T20 World Cup wins in the battle for the semi-final spots from Group 1.
India recorded a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh at Emirates Old Trafford in Thursday’s afternoon game before South Africa thumped Netherlands by 88 runs in Bristol later that evening.
Tazmin Brits (114no off 69 balls) smashed her maiden T20I century for South Africa – and the highest individual score of this World Cup – as she nailed 15 fours and three sixes to propel her team to 208-1.
The spirited Dutch were then restricted to 120-8 in reply as Proteas seamer Ayabonga Khaka took three wickets in the final over.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
India dropped FOUR catches in first five overs of Bangladesh’s innings at Emirates Old Trafford
India’s win was less routine with the Asian nation dropping four catches across the first five overs as Bangladesh made 136-8 but they got home with 3.1 overs to spare, thanks chiefly to Shafali Verma (53 off 34), who punished the Tigresses for dropping her on four.
Who can qualify from Group 1 at T20 World Cup?
Australia, who have four wins from four ahead of their heavyweight clash with India at Lord’s on Sunday, top the pool on eight points and their superb net run-rate (4.724) means they are still likely to advance even if they lose at the weekend.
India are second on six points, ahead of South Africa on net run-rate, with their 2.268 eclipsing the Proteas’ 0.734.
That means that should India upset Australia they will probably make the knockout stage, although if they lose and South Africa defeat Bangladesh, the reigning 50-over World Cup champions will be eliminated.
South Africa seamer Ayabonga Khaka (left) took three wickets in the final over vs Netherlands
Bangladesh are not entirely out of contention but with their run-rate (-0.849) dwarfed by India and South Africa’s, they will need to hammer the Proteas and hope Australia trounce India to have any chance, so a first appearance in the semis is highly unlikely.
South Africa’s six-wicket win over India at Old Trafford on June 21, a game in which all-rounder Marizanne Kapp struck 81 not out from 45 balls, could prove the decisive result in this group.
England have progressed from Group 2
England have secured a semi-final place from Group 2 after four consecutive victories, with their most recent – a 38-run triumph against West Indies – coming on Wednesday at a sweltering Lord’s.
West Indies will join England in the last four if they beat Ireland in Bristol on Saturday, although any slip-ups could let in Sri Lanka and defending champions New Zealand.
New Zealand are England’s final pool-stage opponents, at The Kia Oval on Saturday evening, while Sri Lanka face Scotland at Old Trafford on Friday night.
Stream T20 World Cup matches for FREE
Everyone can stream all of the group matches involving England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as the semi-finals and final of the Women’s T20 World Cup, live for FREE on the Sky Sports App.
All you have to do is download the latest version of the Sky Sports App onto your phone or tablet and log in.
Download the Sky Sports App on: iPhone & iPad | Android
