NEW DELHI: Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Britz struck crucial half-centuries to lift hosts South Africa to a competitive 164 for 4 against England in the second semi-final of the Women's T20 World Cup in Cape Town.
While Brits smashed a sizzling 55-ball 68, her opening partner Wolvaardt also struck a solid 53 (44 balls) after Proteas Women opted to bat first. The duo shared a strong 96-run partnership, laying a solid platform.
England's lead spinner Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets for 22 runs in four overs.
It was a second successive fifty from the 23-year-old Wolvaardt whose innings comprised five fours and a glorious off-drive than went all the way for a six.
Ecclestone was the one to provide the breakthrough for England as Wolvaardt, trying to play on the on side, got a leading edge and was caught by Charlotte Dean.
Britz changed gears following her opening partner's dismissal. Her back to straight sixes off leggie Sarah Glenn was the highlight of her innings.
Ecclestone pulled things back in the death overs with wickets of Chloe Tyron and Nadine de Klerk in a three run over before Marizanne Kapp got a much needed 23 not out off 13 balls to take the total beyond 160.
Katherine Sciver-Brunt's last over went for 18 runs and included a boundary off a waist high full toss.
Kapp ended the innings on a high with back to back fours.
South Africa were able to collect 66 runs off the last six overs.
(With inputs from PTI)
