Women's T20 WC 2023 | It’s just a mental game in that semi-final: Laura Wolvaardt 

image-lefgadugSouth Africa have reached the semis [Twitter]

Riding on the back of Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 66, South Africa beat Bangladesh in their final group match last evening to book themselves a clash against England in the semi-finals of the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2023.

Wolvaardt, along with Tazmin Brits (50*), snitched a 117-run first-wicket stand to chase down their target in 17.5 overs.

Interestingly, this will be the third time that both teams clash in the semi-finals of a global tournament, with England winning both their previous encounters in the 2017 and 2022 World Cup. 

As reported by IOL sports, the 23-year-old said that England are a quality side and South Africa will have to play a very good game of cricket on February 24.

Recollecting the Proteas' previous losses against England, Wolvaardt stated that a lot has to do with mental lapses and that the upcoming semi-final will be about which team is mentally stronger. 

Here's what Wolvaardt said

"They are a quality side. We’ve lost many semi-finals against them, which is not ideal. We know we’re going to have to play a very good game of cricket. There’s no denying that they’re a very strong side. So, we’re going to have to put up a lot of runs if we want to stand a chance of getting them.

So, I think we just need to have a lot of discussions to how to stay mentally strong. I think we have the talent and the skill. It’s just a mental game in that semi-final.”

The second semi-final will be played on Friday in Cape Town, a day after Australia and India clash for a place in the final.