Sawt Falasteen - South Africa maintain World Cup semi-final hopes with nervy win over Bangladesh

The Proteas just about retained their composure in pursuit of a lowly target of 118.

South Africa will now play unbeaten tournament hosts England in the semi-finals unless India defeat Australia later on Sunday.

But this batting performance raised questions about South Africa's ability under pressure following a win over India and their total of 208-1 against the Netherlands in their previous two games.

Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt fell to the first ball of the chase, bowled by a Marufa Aktar inswinger and when Dane van Niekerk was lbw for three, South Africa were 59-3 at the halfway stage.

Annerie Dercksen threatened to win the game for South Africa until she edged behind for 45 in the 15th over.

The runs then started to dry up.

Marizanne Kapp was run out for 16 and Nadine de Klerk was caught at deep mid-wicket with five runs still needed before Chloe Tryon edged a four and cleared the off-side to seeal victory with four balls to spare.

But there was no denying South Africa's quality in the field, with Kapp bowling Juairiya Ferdous with the first ball of the match.

Sobhana Mostary's 42 kept the Proteas at bay, with Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana making 32 not out but the Tigers were still held to just 117-5 in 20 overs.

Y.Zaher--SF-PST