Women’s T20 World Cup 2020: Day 9, Round-up

As the enthralling journey of Women’s T20 World Cup continued with two entertaining matches as South Africa paved their way into the semi-finals after handing Pakistan a 17-run defeat. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the Proteas Women stitched 136 runs on the scoreboard on the back of Laura Wolvaardt’s half-century. Wolvaardt remained unbeaten on 53 runs off just 36 deliveries which included eight fours. She was also assisted by Marizanne Kapp‘s sensible 31-run knock.

Coming to Pakistan run-chase, the Women in Green were dented by dismissals at regular intervals. Skipper Javeria Khan stuck to the crease and scored a vital 31-run knock. However, Pakistan Women’s middle-order tumbled as the skipper got no support from the other end.

Aliya Riaz notched up the hopes of Pakistan fans as she stitched a 39-run knock at the end to cruise her side towards the target. However, to her disdain, she was unable to sail her side to the shore as Pakistan Women were able to gather only 119 runs in their stipulated 20 overs. Javeria Khan and Co. are virtually out of the mega-event post their defeat against the Proteas Women. Wolvaardt was adjudged Player of the Match for her sublime half-century in the first innings.

England Women paved their way into the semis

In the second encounter of the day, England Women locked horns with West Indies Women in Match 16 of the tournament. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Heather Knight and her troops amassed 143 runs on the scoreboard.

Natalie Sciver dazzled with her willow yet again as she notched up a sublime half-century while continuing her impressive form. Danielle Wyatt also provided her side with a 29-run knock at the top after fellow opener Tammy Beaumont departed for a duck. Amy Ellen Jones’s smashed a quick-fire cameo of 23 runs at the end to propel her side to the total of 143/5.

The Women in Maroon never looked in the contest as their wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Sophie Ecclestone emerged as England’s talisman as she scalped three West Indies wickets to cruise her side to the semi-finals of the tournament. West Indies skipper Stafanie Taylor had to return to the dressing room after being retired hurt at the score of 15.

Post the skipper’s departure, Lee-Ann Kirby’s 20-run cameo hogged the limelight but it was not enough for West Indies to hunt down the target of 143. The Women in Maroon eventually succumbed to the pressure and could amass only 97 runs on the scoreboard as England paved their way into the semis. Natalie Sciver was adjudged Player of the Match for her heroics with the bat.