England end South Africa hoodoo, set up Women’s T20 World Cup final against Australia
England Women buried the ghosts of past World Cup heartbreaks with a commanding 40-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup at the Kennington Oval on Thursday, sealing their place in the final against Australia at Lord’s on July 5.
Having lost to the Proteas in the semi-finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ODI World Cup, England finally exacted revenge with a polished all-round performance led by captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. The win also ensured a dream finale between the tournament’s only two unbeaten sides after Australia comfortably defeated West Indies in the first semi-final.
Sciver-Brunt, Knight turn the tide
England’s innings looked in serious trouble early after South Africa elected to bowl under cloudy skies. Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail exploited the conditions superbly, reducing the hosts to 35/3 inside the first six overs.
Ismail etched her name into the record books by becoming the first bowler to reach 50 wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup history after dismissing Amy Jones. Kapp then removed tournament top-scorer Danni Wyatt-Hodge, while Ismail trapped Alice Capsey to leave England reeling.
With South Africa firmly in control, Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight produced a masterclass in rebuilding an innings. The experienced duo added 133 runs for the fourth wicket—the highest partnership in a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final—to wrest back control.
Playing her first match after recovering from injury, Sciver-Brunt anchored the recovery with a brilliant 75 off 47 balls, smashing 11 fours and a six while equalling the record for the most fifties in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Knight provided ideal support with a composed 58 from 47 deliveries as the pair frustrated the South African attack.
Although Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed both set batters in the penultimate over, England had already laid the platform for a competitive total. Late contributions from Dani Gibson and a few extras pushed the hosts to 169/7 after being 35/3 in the Powerplay.
England bowlers seal dominant win
South Africa’s chase began steadily as Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits shared a 43-run opening stand, but England’s bowlers steadily wrestled back control.
Linsey Smith struck first by dismissing Wolvaardt before Charlie Dean removed both Marizanne Kapp and the well-set Brits, who top-scored with 51. Freya Kemp dismissed Annerie Dercksen, Lauren Bell accounted for Sune Luus and Ayabonga Khaka, while Sophie Ecclestone wrapped up another economical spell with the wicket of Chloe Tryon.
England’s fielding matched the quality of their bowling, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge producing a direct-hit run-out to remove Sinalo Jafta and further dent South Africa’s hopes. Apart from Brits, no South African batter managed to build a significant innings as the Proteas were restricted to 130, handing England a comprehensive 40-run victory.
The result not only ended England’s recent World Cup woes against South Africa but also set up a blockbuster title clash against defending champions Australia at Lord’s, where the two unbeaten teams will battle for the Women’s T20 World Cup crown.
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