Proteas Women boost T20 World Cup semifinal hopes after thrashing Scotland

South Africa, who opted to bat first after winning the toss, posted a total of 165-5 in their 20 overs with Tazmin Brits (43), Marizanne Kapp (43) and Laura Wolvaardt (40) leading the way.

Nonkululeko Mlaba then took three wickets in reply as Scotland were dismissed for 86, a third straight defeat consigning the debutants to a group stage exit.

The Proteas survived an early let-off when Wolvaardt, on two, miscued a Kathryn Bryce full toss to Katherine Fraser, who put down a regulation chance at mid-off.

The opener struck the next ball for four to add insult to injury and joined forces with Brits to make the most of the powerplay, which ended with 18 coming from the sixth over as foundations were laid for an imposing total.

Fraser made amends for her dropped catch by making the vital breakthrough for Scotland, Wolvaardt caught by Olivia Bell midway through the eighth over, but Brits continued to motor and soon hit the same bowler for six over long-on.

Anneke Bosch fell for 11 but Kapp was straight into her stride, picking up the attacking baton after Brits was caught at long-off and striking six boundaries in her 24-ball 43 before falling in the 18th over.

Sune Luus chipped in with an unbeaten 18 from 13 deliveries as South Africa set Scotland 167 to win but their reply started slowly as they limped to 34 for three at the end of the powerplay.

Chloe Tryon claimed the key scalps of both Bryce sisters, with Sarah and Kathryn falling caught and bowled, while Saskia Horley was caught at extra cover.

Wickets continued to fall regularly and were shared around the attack, Mlaba clean bowling Ailsa Lister and Darcey Carter, while Luus held on to a brilliant return catch to see the back of Lorna Jack-Brown.

Fraser (14) displayed resistance down the order but became Mlaba's third victim when Bosch took a fine catch, while Mlaba claimed an excellent diving catch of her own to remove Abtaha Maqsood and end the match in the 18th over.

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