England Women will bury South Africa’s ghosts, set up a blockbuster final against Australia

England Women finally exorcised the demons of their recent past with a commanding 40-run win over South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women’s World T20 at Kennington Oval on Thursday, setting up a thrilling title clash against Australia at Lord’s on 5 July.

After suffering heartbreaking defeats to the Proteas in the semi-finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup and 2025 ODI World Cup, England entered the competition with the weight of those painful memories. However, led by captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, the hosts produced a clinical all-round display to end the campaign in South Africa and keep alive their dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.

England vs. South Africa T20 Women’s World Cup Semi Final: Update | Scorecard

The win also sets up a perfect final between the tournament’s two undefeated teams. Australia stormed into the summit clash after seeing off the West Indies in the first semi-final, while England responded with an equally dominant performance to ensure cricket fans were in for one of the biggest rivalries in women’s cricket on the big stage at Lord’s.

SOUTH AFRICA A GREAT START

Shabnim Ismail breathed fire in the power play. Courtesy: Reuters

The evening got off to a disastrous start for England after South Africa opted to bowl first in overcast conditions. Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail took full advantage of the movement on offer, cracking the top order and reducing the hosts to 22/3 in the powerplay.

Ismail created history when she dismissed Amy Jones to become the first bowler to take 50 wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Kapp then bowled tournament top-scorer Danni Wyatt-Hodge for 12 before Ismail trapped Alice Capsey lbw, leaving England reeling at 35/3 after six overs.

With South Africa firmly in control, England were in desperate need of someone to steady the innings and their experienced batsmen answered the call in spectacular fashion.

SCIVER-BRUNT IS BACK STRONG

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight led England’s recovery. Courtesy: Reuters

Returning from injury, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt produced an innings worthy of the occasion. Alongside former captain Heather Knight, she first absorbed the early pressure before launching a remarkable counter-attack that completely changed the dynamic.

The pair put together a record partnership of 133 runs for the fourth wicket, the highest for any wicket in a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final. Sciver-Brunt was superb, smashing 75 off 47 balls with 11 fours and a six as she registered her eighth Women’s World T20 fifty and equaled the tournament record.

Knight played a perfect supporting role, making a composed 58 off 47 deliveries with six boundaries and a six. The duo cleverly rotated the strike, punished loose deliveries and denied South Africa any breakthrough during the mid overs.

ENGLAND HAS MADE A SUPER RECOVERY

Although Nonkululeko Mlaba struck twice in the penultimate over to dismiss both well-set batsmen and finish with figures of 2/25, the damage had already been done.

Dani Gibson added valuable late runs before four byes off the last delivery lifted England to an impressive 169/7. Considering the position they were in after the powerplay, the hosts staged one of the best recoveries in the history of Women’s T20 World Cup knockouts.

For South Africa, Kapp was exceptional with the new ball, returning figures of 1/16 from four economical overs, while Ismail finished with 2/31 after an excellent opening spell.

ENGLAND BOWLER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS

England have restricted South Africa to 129 for 8. Courtesy: Reuters

Chasing 170, South Africa started confidently with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits adding 43 runs for the opening wicket and briefly keeping the required pace in check. However, England’s bowlers never allowed the innings to gain any sustained momentum.

Linsey Smith provided the breakthrough by dismissing Wolvaardt for 17, with Sophie Ecclestone taking a superb overhead catch. From there, the English attack consolidated its grip on the contest.

Charlie Dean removed both Marizanne Kapp and the dangerous Brits, whose fighting 51 proved to be South Africa’s only significant contribution with the bat. Freya Kemp shuffled smartly to dismiss Annerie Dercksen, Lauren Bell removed Sune Luus before producing a brilliant slower yorker to clean up Ayabonga Khaka, while Ecclestone capped another economic spell with the wicket of Chloe Tryon.

England were just as sharp in the field as Danni Wyatt-Hodge produced a direct hit to dismiss Sinal Jafta as South Africa fell further behind the required rate.

Only the British crossed the 50-run mark as the Proteas were restricted to 130, giving England a comprehensive victory. Sciver-Brunt’s side now head to Lord’s brimming with confidence for a sensational final against defending champions Australia, with the title decided between the tournament’s two unbeaten sides.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

03 Jul 2026 02:38 IST