Hosts England stormed into Women’s T20 World Cup final with a commanding 40-run win over South Africa on Thursday at The Oval to face off against four times champion Australia.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt came back from an injury that threatened her in the tournament to produce her best form on the day, finishing with an impressive 75 off 47 balls. Heather Knight was also crucial with an innings of 58 from 47 deliveries to forge a partnership worth a fluent 133 off the 23-3 deficit, when the pair put on England’s first 10 runs.
After South Africa had given England a treat to bat first, they bounced back with a jolt to post 169-5.
These were met by South Africa who had most impressively conceded 129-8 in reply with Tazmin Brits making a classy 51 off 45 balls. Linsey Smith sent away Captain Laura Wolvaardt who found herself on 17 penalties, which was caught by Sophie Ecclestone.
The disciplined bowling attack guaranteed that South Africa would face pressure throughout the chase, and soon they would find themselves in the first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup final (after eight years), with a comfortable win.
The hosts will now have to defend their record of a World Cup title against Australia in the ultimate cup battle to be played at Lord’s on Sunday.