Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits struck unbeaten half-centuries during their unbroken 117-run opening partnership as South Africa thrashed Bangladesh by 10 wickets at Newlands on Tuesday to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup.

The South Africans finished second in Group 1, behind defending champions Australia who won all their four matches.

South Africa, New Zealand and Sri Lanka ended their group engagements on four points each. But the hosts made it to the last-four stage as they have the best net run rate (+0.738) among the three teams.

The net run rates of New Zealand and Sri Lanka are +0.138 and -1.460, respectively.

The Sune Luus-led side, thus, became the first South African team ever — male or female, junior or senior — to reach the last-four stage of a major ICC event staged on home soil.

South Africa play Group 2 toppers England in the second semi-final at Newlands on Friday.

Wolvaardt (66 not out off 56 balls) and Brits (50 not out off 51 balls) struck their team’s first half-centuries of the tournament as South Africa overhauled Bangladesh’s 113/6 with 13 balls to spare, reaching 117 for no loss in 17.5 overs.

Bangladesh opted to bat and the Proteas struck twice i n t h e Powerplay, with Murshida Khatun chipping Marizanne Kapp to midon and Shamima Sultana then skying Shabnim Ismail to midwicket. Bangladesh’s innings could never gather steam as the South African bowlers were consistent in their lines. Alongside Kapp (2/17), fellow pacer Ayabonga Khaka (2/21) also struck twice while Nonkululeko Mlaba (1/21) and Ismail (1/22) were economical as well.

Brief scores: Bangladesh Women 113/6 in 20 ovs (N. Sultana 30; M. Kapp 2/17, A. Khaka 2/21). South Africa Women 117/0 in 17.5 ovs (L. Wolvaardt 66 n.o., T. Brits 50 n.o.). South Africa Women won by 10 wickets.