Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt etched their names into ICC Women’s T20 World Cup history with a record-breaking 133-run partnership against South Africa in the 2026 semi-final at The Oval. Arriving at the crease with England reeling at 23/3, the experienced duo rescued the innings before powering the hosts into the final. Their stand not only became the highest partnership in a Women’s T20 World Cup knockout match but also surpassed England’s own 17-year-old record set in the inaugural edition of the tournament.
Knockout matches often produce the tournament’s most defining moments, and some of the greatest partnerships in Women’s T20 World Cup history have come under the pressure of semi-finals and finals. Here’s a look at the five highest stands ever recorded in the knockout stages of the competition.
1. Heather Knight & Nat Sciver-Brunt (England): 133 vs South Africa (2026)
Few partnerships have come under greater pressure than this one. England’s hopes of reaching the final were hanging by a thread after South Africa ripped through the top order, leaving the hosts at 23/3 in 3.2 overs. Heather Knight joined Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, and together they completely changed the complexion of the contest.
Initially focused on rebuilding, the pair rotated strike superbly before launching an assault in the latter half of the innings. Sciver-Brunt was at her fluent best, striking 75(47), while Knight anchored the innings with a 58*(47). Their 133-run fourth-wicket partnership became the highest ever in Women’s T20 World Cup history and the biggest stand in a knockout fixture, powering England to a match-winning total and a place in the final.
2. Beth Morgan & Sarah Taylor (England): 122* vs Australia (2009)
England’s previous record had stood untouched since the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup in 2009. Chasing 164 against Australia in the semi-final at The Oval, England found themselves under early pressure at 43/2, before Claire Taylor and Beth Morgan produced one of the defining partnerships in the tournament’s early history.
Taylor played the aggressor with an unbeaten 76(53), while Morgan complemented her perfectly with unbeaten 46(51). The pair remained unbeaten throughout their 122-run partnership, guiding England to victory with eight wickets in hand and booking their place in the final. England went on to lift the trophy that year, making this partnership one of the most significant in the competition’s history.
3. Hayley Matthews & Stafanie Taylor (West Indies): 120 vs Australia (2016)
When West Indies faced Australia in the 2016 final, few expected them to chase down 149 against one of the strongest teams in world cricket. Instead, Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor produced one of the most memorable opening stands ever seen in a Women’s T20 World Cup.
The pair added 120 runs for the first wicket, taking complete control of the chase. 18-year-old Matthews dazzled with 66(45), attacking Australia’s experienced bowling attack from the outset, while Taylor’s composed 59(57) ensured there were no hiccups. Their partnership laid the perfect platform for West Indies to seal an eight-wicket victory and claim their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.
4. Alyssa Healy & Beth Mooney (Australia): 115 vs India (2020)
The 2020 Women’s T20 World Cup final remains one of the landmark occasions in women’s sport, with more than 86,000 spectators filling the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia responded to the occasion in spectacular fashion through openers Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney.
Healy tore into the Indian attack with a blistering 75 off just 39 balls, while Mooney once again showcased her remarkable consistency on the big stage with 78*(54). Their 115-run opening stand decided the contest before the halfway mark, helping Australia post a daunting total of 184 before cruising to an 85-run victory and a fifth Women’s T20 World Cup crown.
5. Tazmin Brits & Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa): 96 runs vs England (2023)
South Africa created history during the 2023 edition by reaching their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, and their semi-final victory over England was built on a superb opening partnership between Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt.
Facing one of the strongest bowling attacks in the competition, the pair put together 96 runs for the opening wicket, frustrating England with disciplined batting and excellent shot selection. Brits top-scored with 68(55), while Wolvaardt contributed 53(44), giving South Africa the ideal platform to post a competitive total of 164. Although England threatened late in the chase, South Africa held their nerve to secure a memorable six-run victory and book their place in a historic first World Cup final.
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