DUBAI: South Africa cruised to a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh to edge closer to the Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals on Saturday although their tournament destiny lies in the hands of England and West Indies.p>After limiting Bangladesh to just 106-3 in 20 overs, South Africa reached their target with 16 balls to spare.
With three wins and one defeat, they sit top of Group B with six points.p>However, 2009 champions England, with two wins so far and with two games still to play, are likely to secure one of the semi-final spots.p>That would leave South Africa and West Indies vying for the last place.p>West Indies, the 2016 champions, have four points but a better net run-rate than South Africa although the Caribbean side have to face England in their concluding pool game on Tuesday.p>Player of the match Tazmin Brits steered 2023 runners-up South Africa to victory on Saturday with a steady 42 off 41 balls, an innings which featured five fours.p>Anneke Bosch made a run-a-ball 25 before Marizanne Kapp (13 not out) and Chloe Tryon (14 not out) saw their side home.p>"The way we started with the ball was amazing. Would have loved to chase it down faster and that was a message that went out, but we didn't get there," said South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt who bemoaned her side conceding 13 extras when Bangladesh batted.p>Bangladesh had won the toss and chose to bat but lost opener Dilara Akter off the second ball for nought.p>The Asian side struggled to make any headway against the South African attack.p>Sobhana Mostary top-scored but her 38 took 43 balls with skipper Nigar Sultana making an undefeated 32 from 38 deliveries.p>Kapp claimed 1-10 from her four overs of medium pace while Nonkululeko Mlaba finished with 1-11.p>Off-break bowler Mlaba has enjoyed an impressive tournament with the ball and has nine wickets from four games, making her the leading wicket-taker.p>"There's a lot of intent and emotion there," said Bangladesh captain Sultana after a tournament which brought them just one victory -- an opening day win against Scotland.p>"In this kind of tournament you have to be mentally strong. A lot of people came to support us, and it felt like we were at home. Although we couldn't do well, there was unconditional love."
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