Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final - Wolvaardt looking to get back in the runs to drive her side into the final

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 2 hours ago

Simon Lewis 2 hours ago

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Laura Wolvaardt was the top scorer in the last two T20 World Cups.
Wolvaardt has scored 44, 30 and 45 in her five innings in the 2026 World Cup.
England and South Africa meet at the Oval on 2 July at 7:30pm SAST in their second World Cup semi–final.

Laura Wolvaardt sweeps against Australia (Getty Images).

Speaking ahead of their World Cup semi-final against England, Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt admitted that her side was frustrated by their failure to quickly wrap up what was a vital win over Bangladesh in their last match of the group stage.

Frustrated by a lack of runs
Strong bowling attack

“We needed a win and it's a bit frustrating how we got ourselves into that position. I think it was maybe just a bit of a mindset thing, knowing that we only needed to chase 120 maybe we batted a bit within ourselves and didn't really go to our positive options early enough,” said Wolvaardt, adding that the Bangladesh bowlers had made it hard for their opponents by bowling well and slowly on what was a “slowish wicket”. “I think in situations like that we have got to take the braver option earlier.”

Frustrated by a lack of runs

Wolvaardt was the top scorer in the last two T20 World Cups and has been in good form leading up to the 2026 tournament, but admitted that she was frustrated not to have put any big score on the board so far in the tournament.

“Coming into this tournament I was feeling really good, so I am kind of annoyed to have lost it along the way a little bit. I think I may be just trying to force it a little bit too much, not letting the ball quite come to me and play my normal game and my normal timing like I should.

“Hopefully some rhythm comes back if we do make it through to the final, but I am feeling all right in the nets. I think I just need one or two shots to go my way, and then I think I'll be back.”

Strong bowling attack

Although their batting has been more inconsistent than they would like, the Proteas bowlers have once again played their part in taking their side to the semi-final.

“They've been excellent in the power play. Marizanne Kapp is world-class, and when the ball's moving around a lot I think I might as well use her overs early, because she can bowl really well up front and get us way ahead of the game early,” said Wolvaardt.

“We also have the likes of Shabnim Ismail now as well, so we can maybe hold one of them back, use that over a bit later. It's been really nice having the both of them and to be able to use them at different times, but when Kappy's on I like to let her just keep going and do her thing,” added Wolvaardt.