Bristol: South Africa produced an all-round display as they beat Netherlands by 88 runs to strengthen their hopes of reaching the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the County Ground on Thursday.
Chasing a tough target of 209, Netherlands were restricted to 120-8 in the allotted 20 overs. Their top order showed resilience with useful contributions, but the steep target proved beyond their reach in the end.
Netherlands opener Pheb Molkenbohr scored 41 runs off 4 balls while Sanya Khurana scored 36 runs off 30 balls including 6 fours.
Sterre Kallis added 26 runs off 28 balls with 4 fours while captain Babet de Leete scored 11 runs off 12 balls with a four.
Ayapong Kaka led South Africa’s bowling attack with impressive figures of 3-19 from three overs. Chloe Tryon took two wickets while Shabnim Ismail and Nadine de Klerk took one each.
Earlier, South Africa amassed 208-1 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a superb unbeaten run from Tasmin Britts, supported by skipper Laura Wohlward and Anneri Derksen.
Britts and Wohlward adopted an aggressive approach from the start, moving the scoreboard and building a fluent 50-run opening partnership before taking complete control of the innings.
Britts continued her fine form, registering her 15th Women’s T20I half-century, while Wohlward played the perfect supporting role as the pair put together a 121-run opening stand.
The Netherlands finally dismissed Wolverde in the 14th over with Hannah Landhir scoring 45 off 36 balls in an innings that included six fours.
Derksen then joined the Brits in the middle and the pair powered South Africa past 150 and heaped more pressure on the Dutch bowlers.
Britt remained unbeaten throughout the innings, scoring 114 off 69 balls including 15 fours and 3 sixes to reach her maiden Women’s T20I century. Derksen scored an unbeaten 37 off 16 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes.
Landhir was the only successful bowler for the Netherlands, returning figures of 1-34 from his four overs.
For the non-qualifiers, the semi-finalists from Group A are yet to be confirmed. Australia are currently at the top with 8 points, while India and South Africa are second and third with 6 points each.
Either Australia or India win the Group A final and the team will qualify for the semi-finals. Australia have the best net run rate, while India will also be hoping that South Africa lose to Bangladesh, a result that can seal their place in the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, the Proteas will need a convincing win to significantly improve their net run rate and strengthen their chances of promotion.
India take on Australia at Lord’s on Sunday, while South Africa take on Bangladesh in the opener of the double-header at the same venue.