“6623″: That is the number of spectators that gathered at Newlands on Tuesday night to witness the Momentum Proteas “turn it up” and book their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The Proteas, who needed nothing short of a victory against Bangladesh to qualify for the semi-finals, pulled off a near-perfect 10-wicket victory after a slow start chasing 114 runs.

Hometown hero, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits formed a 100-run partnership, and with fans cheering them on in every corner of the field, both reached their respective half-centuries.

Reflecting after the game, Wolvaardt, who received the player of the match award, revealed how delighted she was to have the full backing of fans in her backyard.

“I must say, the crowds have been really amazing over here,” she said.

“I never thought I’d see a crowd like this for a women’s game in Cape Town; it’s been special for me, and hopefully we have a full crowd for the semi-final.”

Having said that, it wasn’t just the Momentum Proteas who would have appreciated the large number of fans that came out on the night.

The Springbok Women’s Sevens team was also in attendance, and we spoke to one of the players, Liske Lategan, about the importance of supporting women’s sports in the country.

“Supporting women’s sport in South Africa is important because all our sporting codes are growing,” said Lategan.

She added: “I think cricket is at a level where they’re performing, whereas with rugby, we’re still in a growth phase, so I think it’s important to see how many supporters want to watch women’s sports and see them perform.”

The Proteas, on the other hand, will know that they’re far from finished, with a tough test against England on the horizon.

However, despite losing to them in all the previous World Cup semi-finals, Wolvaardt believes a good foundation laid could help push them over the line.

“They’re a quality side; and we’ve lost many semi-finals against them, which is not ideal.”

“If anything, it gives us more freedom, knowing that we’re going to have to put up a lot of runs earlier on and get off to better starts than we did.”

“I think tomorrow we’ll have good discussions on how we can use that against them.”

The semi-final between South Africa and England will take place on February 24 at 15:00 at Newlands.

Photo: Shaun Roy/BackpagePix