London, June 28 (IANS) South Africa kept their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final hopes alive with a hard-fought four-wicket victory over Bangladesh on Sunday at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, successfully chasing 118 in a contest that remained alive until the final over.

After restricting Bangladesh to 117/5 through a disciplined bowling effort in the first innings, the Proteas overcame a spirited fightback led by Bangladesh’s bowlers to seal victory, although their progression now depends on Australia defeating India later in the day.

The modest target appeared straightforward on paper, but Bangladesh ensured South Africa had to earn every run. Marufa Akter produced a dream start by removing captain Laura Wolvaardt with the very first delivery of the chase, sending the stumps cartwheeling with a magnificent inswinger that immediately shifted the pressure onto the Proteas.

Annerie Dercksen and Tazmin Brits responded calmly, refusing to let the early setback derail their pursuit. The pair rebuilt with a valuable 52-run partnership for the second wicket, rotating strike efficiently before capitalising on scoring opportunities. Dercksen settled into her innings despite a couple of anxious moments early on, while Brits mixed caution with aggression to ensure the required rate never climbed beyond control.

Bangladesh, however, refused to let the game drift away. Nahida Akter provided the breakthrough by deceiving Brits into a mistimed slog-sweep before dismissing Dercksen for a well-crafted 45 after a successful review confirmed a faint edge through to wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana. Between those wickets, Shanjida Akter Meghla trapped Dane van Niekerk leg-before, keeping Bangladesh firmly in the contest despite South Africa’s steady progress.

Earlier, Bangladesh had battled their way to 117/5 after opting to bat, recovering from a difficult start through a series of useful partnerships. While South Africa’s bowlers consistently prevented the innings from gaining sustained momentum, Bangladesh found timely contributions across the order to post a total that at least offered their bowlers something to defend.

Marizanne Kapp attempted to steer South Africa home with a composed knock, but Bangladesh’s persistence produced another twist when she was run out following confusion with Nadine de Klerk. The dismissal injected fresh belief into the Bangladesh camp, and De Klerk’s dismissal to an outstanding catch by Shorna Akter in the 19th over further delayed the inevitable.

With five required from the final over, Chloe Tryon received an element of fortune when a thick outside edge raced away for four before calmly squeezing the next delivery into the off side to complete the chase with four balls remaining.

Marufa’s opening burst, Nahida’s double strike and Bangladesh’s sharp fielding ensured South Africa never enjoyed complete control despite chasing a below-par target. Yet Dercksen’s composed 45, supported by useful contributions from Brits (20), Kapp (16) and De Klerk (15), ultimately proved sufficient to guide the Proteas across the line.

While South Africa completed their part of the equation by securing two crucial points, their campaign remains out of their own hands. Their hopes of reaching the semi-finals now rest entirely on Australia overcoming India later on Sunday.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 117/5 in 20 overs (Sobhana Mostary 42, Nigar Sultana 32*; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-22, Marizanne Kapp 1-9) lost to South Africa (Annerie Derksen 45, Tazmin Brits 20; Nahida Akter 2-24, Ritu Moni 1-24) by 4 wickets.

–IANS

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