*SYDNEY – Pakistani team out of ICC women’s T20 World after defeat formSouth Africa on Sunday.*
Laura Wolvaardt smacked a crucial 53 as South Africa whipped Pakistan tokeep their unbeaten streak intact and join India in the women’s T20 WorldCup semi-finals.
Proteas captain Dane van Niekerk won the toss and opted to bat on a slowtrack at Sydney Showgrounds, with her team making a competitive 136 forsix, boosted by Wolvaardt’s late fireworks.
In reply Pakistan, missing captain Bismah Maroof who was ruled out of thetournament on Saturday with a broken thumb, could only manage 119 for five.
South Africa have now won three from three in Group B — including asix-wicket humbling of England and a 113-run thumping of Thailand — to makeonly their second T20 semi-final following their efforts in 2014.
If England beat the West Indies later Sunday, they will join them in thelast four. “I’m really happy, but have to give credit to Pakistan, theygave it a massive go and kept coming at us,” said van Niekerk.
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“It was an incredible game to be a part of,” she added, while payingtribute to Wolvaardt. “It’s only her third time batting at five, sheusually bats at the top, and to display her skills like that, she got usthe winning total.”
The dangerous Lizelle Lee, who smashed a century in their last matchagainst Thailand, immediately went on the attack as she opened the Proteasinnings, crashing a four off the third delivery.
But pace spearhead Diana Baig bowled a beautiful outswinger and she got anedge to Sidra Nawaz behind the stumps in a big breakthrough for Pakistan.
Baig struck again with van Niekerk gone for three, dragging onto herwicket, to leave South Africa at 17 for two. -APP/AFP
