UAE make Super Sixes despite Under-19 T20 World Cup defeat against South Africa

National women's team lose to hosts by 45 runs in Benoni

Vaishnave Mahesh of the UAE took two wickets in the U19 World Cup match against South Africa. Photo: Asian Cricket Council RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

UAE scraped through to the Super Sixes in the first Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup despite a heavy defeat against South Africa on Wednesday.

The national team fell to a 45-run loss to their tournament hosts in their final pool match in Benoni, but still finished third in Group D to advance with South Africa and India.

At the halfway stage, the tourists had harboured hopes of a shock win.

They limited the home team to 112-7 from their 20 overs, with their spinners excelling in particular.

Lavanya Keny took 2-10 from four overs of off spin, while leg spinner Vaishnave Mahesh took 2-22 from her quota. Seamer Indhuja Nandakumar also took two.

UAE’s optimism was punctured immediately in reply. Theertha Satish, the captain and the side’s outstanding batter, fell for one off the last ball of the third over.

Keny and fellow all-rounder Samaira Dharnidharka were the only players to reach double figures as UAE were bowled out for 67.