The England women’s cricket team etched their name in history books by securing a dominant win in the third T20I against South Africa, completing a resounding series sweep.
This victory marked their 19th T20I triumph in 2024—a record for any full-member nation. England’s remarkable achievement came from playing 22 matches in the shortest format this year, underscoring their consistency and dominance.
The final match of the series showcased England’s firepower with the ball. Charlie Dean led a disciplined bowling unit that restricted South Africa to a modest 124. Early breakthroughs by Lauren Filer and Lauren Bell, who shared three wickets in the first four overs, left the hosts reeling. Dean then added two crucial scalps as South Africa crumbled to 45 for 5 within eight overs, eventually limping to an underwhelming total.
England’s openers, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier wasted no time in the chase. The duo launched a relentless assault on South Africa’s bowlers, with Wyatt-Hodge smashing her second consecutive half-century. England’s aggressive approach ensured a comprehensive victory, marking only the second time South Africa has been whitewashed at home in women’s T20Is.
England’s stellar year began in March with a 4-1 series win against hosts New Zealand. Maia Bouchier shone brightly, amassing 223 runs at an incredible average of 55.75. Her blistering knocks of 91 off 56 balls and 71 off 47 balls were the standout performances of the series. Charlie Dean spearheaded the bowling attack, claiming seven wickets with support from Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone.
In May, England hosted Pakistan for a three-match T20I series, which turned out to be a one-sided affair. Dominating with win margins of 53, 65, and 34 runs, England completed another whitewash. Sarah Glenn led the charge with six wickets, while Lauren Bell and Sophie Ecclestone chipped in with five each. Danni Wyatt topped the scoring charts with a sparkling 87 in the final match.
The action resumed in July as England hosted New Zealand this time around. This time, the series ended in a clean 5-0 sweep for the hosts. Alice Capsey emerged as the batting star, scoring 129 runs in four innings, including an unbeaten 67. Sarah Glenn continued her brilliance with the ball, claiming eight wickets.
In August, England faced Ireland with a second-string squad as their key players competed in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai. The Kate Cross-led side shared the spoils in a hard-fought 1-1 series. Ireland’s victory in the second T20I was a landmark moment for the hosts.
Despite entering the T20 World Cup as firm favorites, England faltered in the group stages. A six-wicket defeat to West Indies in their fourth and last league match dashed their hopes of advancing, marking their first failure to reach the knockout stage since 2010.
England capped their extraordinary year with another whitewash, this time against South Africa. Again, Danni Wyatt-Hodge starred with 142 runs in three matches, while Nat Sciver-Brunt dazzled with 126 runs in just two games. Charlie Dean (6 wickets) and Sarah Glenn (5 wickets) ensured the bowlers played a pivotal role in this commanding performance.
As England reflects on their remarkable achievements in 2024, their focus now shifts to the highly anticipated Women’s Ashes series against Australia in 2025. Facing their arch-rivals, England will aim to carry their red-hot form into one of cricket’s most prestigious contests.
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