South Africa have set themselves up well for a potential semi-final spot in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup by ending their group stage with a win. Laura Wolvaardt and Co. made easy work of Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday, October 12, to climb to the top of the table.
After opting to bat first, Bangladesh women endured a horrid start. Marizanne Kapp, in trademark fashion, struck with the new ball to dismiss Dilara Akter for a duck. The batting side struggled throughout the powerplay, ending up with only 21 runs to show for.
Their struggle continued into the middle overs. The Nigar Sultana-led side attempted to build a platform and hope to capitalize in the end. The approach saw them not lose any wickets, but the explosion in the death overs did not come. After squeezing out 23 runs off the final two overs, they managed to cross the three-figure mark. At the end of the innings, they were left with just 106 runs, surprisingly with seven wickets still intact.
In the second half of the contest, the in-form South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt perished early, but Tazmin Brits held one end to keep the run flow alive. Anneke Bosch found some form at No. 3 and chipped in with some runs. The duo of Chloe Tryon and Marizanne Kapp finished off the run chase with more than two overs to spare.
South Africa finished their group stage with six points after three wins and a sole loss to England. They have a relatively healthy net run rate of +1.382. Bangladesh, on the other hand, ended their campaign in fourth place in the group after their third consecutive defeat. They finish with two points with a net run-rate of -0.844.
South Africa's qualification hopes hinge on how England and West Indies fare
Should England win both of their matches, one of which is against West Indies, then South Africa qualify as the second-ranked team from the group. However, if England wins against Scotland and loses to West Indies, then three teams will be tied with six points apiece. It could then all come down to the net run rate.
West Indies have a dominant net run rate of +1.708 after their thumping wins over Bangladesh and Scotland in succession.
