A much-improved batting efficiency noticed England seal a seven-wicket win over South Africa on the Ladies’s T20 World Cup.
On a extra batter-friendly floor than the earlier encounters at Sharjah, Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 43 and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 48 helped England attain their goal of 125 with 4 balls to spare.
The pair rode their luck, with a number of probabilities falling in need of fielders or into gaps, however have been finally rewarded for taking calculated dangers and good working between the wickets – in stark distinction to the one-dimensional approach against Bangladesh.
Opener Maia Bouchier struggled as South Africa dominated the powerplay, earlier than Alice Capsey – who was dropped on nought – added a dynamic 19 to take the sting out of the Proteas’ assault, earlier than the skilled duo’s match-winning partnership of 64.
South Africa, who knocked England out of the earlier T20 World Cup in 2023, have been restricted to 124-6 after one other stellar efficiency from England’s spinners.
Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt hit 42 however England squeezed the remaining, with left-armer Sophie Ecclestone delivering an impeccable 2-15 and Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn claiming a wicket every.
All-rounder Marizanne Kapp threatened to complete the innings explosively earlier than she was bowled by Ecclestone for a 17-ball 26, however Annerie Dercksen’s 20 from 11 balls secured a complete over a run a ball, which have been onerous to come back by all through this event.
England are in a promising place to complete prime of Group B, and South Africa are nonetheless in competition for a semi-final spot as each groups tackle winless Scotland subsequent, with the Proteas enjoying on Wednesday and England on Saturday.
