T20 World Cup, The Oval
England 169-5 (20 overs): Sciver-Brunt 75 (47), Knight 58 (47)
South Africa 129-8 (20 overs): Brits 51 (45); Bell 2-28
England gained by 40 runs
England roared into Sunday’s T20 World Cup ultimate towards Australia with an outstanding 40-run victory towards South Africa at The Oval.
On an excellent evening beneath the lights in entrance of a jubilant and expectant crowd, England overcame their current struggles in stress matches within the greatest signal of enchancment beneath coach Charlotte Edwards thus far.
They wobbled early on, faltering at 23-3 within the fourth over, however captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hit an immaculate 75 from 47 on her return from a calf damage which had threatened to rule her out of the match.
She shared a partnership of 133 from 90 balls with England’s different clever head, Heather Knight, lifting England all the method to 169-5. Knight, equally as spectacular as Sciver-Brunt, made 58 from 47.
And whereas these two offered nearly all the runs, England’s excellence within the subject was an all-round effort.
Their fielding – for thus lengthy a evident weak spot – was excellent.
Sophie Ecclestone took a leaping catch to see off Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt and break a gap stand of 43, and took a second powerful probability later to dismiss Sune Luus. Danni Wyatt-Hodge additionally ran out Sinalo Jafta with a direct hit.
As for the bowlers, Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean took two wickets apiece, Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Freya Kemp one every, as South Africa’s hopes have been snuffed out.
Their watch for a World Cup win goes on however England, though they are going to be second favourites towards their oldest rivals at Lord’s, have an actual shot at a primary trophy since 2017.
