England booked their place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final with a commanding 40-run victory over South Africa at The Oval, recovering brilliantly from an early collapse before producing another disciplined bowling performance. The win extends England’s unbeaten run in the tournament and sets up an exciting final against Australia.
South Africa’s decision to bowl first appeared to be the right one as England stumbled to 23/3 inside four overs. Amy Jones 2(4) edged behind, Danni Wyatt-Hodge 12(9) was trapped by Marizanne Kapp (1/16), and Alice Capsey 1(4) fell to Shabnim Ismail (2/31). With the innings in danger of unravelling, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt returning from injury, walked in and immediately reminded everyone why she is one of the world’s finest all-rounders.
Looking as though she had never been away, Sciver-Brunt struck a magnificent 75(47), mixing aggression with composure to seize back control of the contest. She found the perfect partner in Heather Knight, whose composed 58(47) complemented Sciver-Brunt’s attacking strokeplay. Together, they added 133 runs for the fourth wicket, completely turning the match on its head after England’s shaky start.
Although Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/25) dismissed both set batters late in the innings, England had already built a formidable platform, eventually finishing on 169/5.
South Africa needed a positive start but never managed to keep pace with the required rate. Laura Wolvaardt made 17(15) before falling to Linsey Smith (1/25), while Tazmin Brits fought hard with 51(45) to keep hopes alive. Annerie Dercksen 3(6) was removed by Freya Kemp (1/11), Marizanne Kapp 5(7) fell to Charlie Dean, and Sune Luus 11(13) became Lauren Bell’s first wicket.
Brits brought up a battling half-century, but her dismissal to Dean (2/31) in the 15th over just after her half-century effectively ended South Africa’s hopes. Chloe Tryon contributed 12(11) before Sophie Ecclestone (1/21) struck, while Sinalo Jafta 1(4) was run out, Ayabonga Khaka made 4(3) before Bell (2/28) cleaned up the tail, and Nadine de Klerk remained unbeaten on 14(14) alongside Shabnim Ismail 2*(2). South Africa closed on 129/8, finishing 40 runs short despite another spirited effort.
England now march into their fifth Women’s T20 World Cup final, where they will renew one of cricket’s greatest rivalries against Australia. After reaching the last two Women’s T20 World Cup finals, the Proteas pack their bags one step earlier this time, unable to overcome a resurgent England side inspired by the timely return of their captain.
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