By Leonard Ratnayake
Nat Sciver-Brunt marked her return from injury with a half-century as England secured a 40-run victory over South Africa in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at The Oval on Thursday, booking a place in Sunday’s final against Australia at Lord’s.
Heather Knight also scored a fifty as the pair shared a record partnership for an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final after England recovered from an early collapse. South Africa’s chase was led by a half-century from Tazmin Brits but fell well short despite another record crowd.
The win also avenged England’s semi-final defeats to the Proteas at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
After South Africa chose to field, England slipped to 23 for three in the powerplay. Amy Jones (2), Danni Wyatt-Hodge (12) and Alice Capsey (1) all departed early, with Shabnim Ismail (2/31) and Marizanne Kapp (1/16) doing the damage.
Sciver-Brunt, replacing Sophia Dunkley, and Knight rebuilt patiently before accelerating. Their stand passed 50 in the 11th over and 100 in the 13th, with Knight hitting her first six of the tournament and Sciver-Brunt finding the boundary repeatedly.
Their partnership of 133 set a new ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final record before Nonkululeko Mlaba (2/25) dismissed both batters in the penultimate over. Sciver-Brunt made 75 and Knight 58 as England finished on 169 for five.
South Africa made a positive start before Laura Wolvaardt fell for 17 to Linsey Smith, and Freya Kemp removed Annerie Dercksen for three.
With the required rate climbing, Marizanne Kapp (5) and Sune Luus were dismissed, leaving South Africa under increasing pressure.
Brits reached her half-century but was out for 51 the very next ball, caught by Sciver-Brunt off Charlie Dean (2/31). Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta and Ayabonga Khaka also fell as England wrapped up victory.
Lauren Bell finished with 2/28 as South Africa closed on 129 for eight, leaving England to face Australia at Lord’s in their fourth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final meeting.
Be the first to comment