ON an intriguing two-match day of action at the Women’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand and South Africa both picked up crucial wins in their quest to make the semi-finals.

New Zealand beat Sri Lanka, keep semi hopes alive

New Zealand has kept its hopes of a semi-final berth alive after defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets.

Sri Lanka was restricted to 5/115 before New Zealand made the total halfway through the 18th over.

Georgia Plimmer was the star for the Kiwis with bat in hand, making 53, while with the ball in hand Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr were the pick of the bunch taking two wickets each.

Meanwhile for Sri Lanka Chamari Athapaththu continued to lead from the front, top scoring with 35 and being one of two bowlers able to take a wicket for her side.

The win keeps New Zealand’s semi finals hopes alive going into its final group stage match, but for Sri Lanka this long means a winless tournament and time to head home.

South Africa slams Bangladesh, moves to top of table

South Africa has moved to the top of Group B after a win over Bangladesh, and has one foot in the semi finals.

After restricting Bangladesh to 3/106 from its 20 overs, South Africa reached the target two balls into the 18th over.

Tazmin Brits led the way for South Africa in the chase with an almost one run a ball 42, while the Proteas shared around their wicket taking duties. Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen and Nonkululeko Mlaba each took one of the wickets that fell.

Meanwhile for Bangladesh Fahima Khatun was the pick of the bowers with two wickets to her name, while Ritu Moni picked up one wicket. Sobhana Mostary was the pick of the Bangladeshi batters with 38.