LONDON, JUL 3 (IANS): England stormed into the Women’s T20 World Cup final after defeating South Africa by 40 runs in the semifinal at The Oval. Nat Sciver Brunt starred with a pivotal all round performance, guiding England to 169/5 before contributing in the field to restrict South Africa to 129/8.
South Africa’s bowlers struck early, reducing England to 23/3 inside four overs. Shabnim Ismail claimed two wickets, including Alice Capsey, becoming the first bowler to reach 50 wickets in the tournament. Marizanne Kapp also bowled superbly, finishing with 1/16.
England’s recovery was led by Sciver Brunt and captain Heather Knight, who shared a record 133 run stand for the third wicket in knockout history. Sciver Brunt struck 11 fours and a six en route to her eighth T20 World Cup half century, equalling Suzie Bates and Beth Mooney. Knight also reached fifty before falling to Nonkululeko Mlaba in the 19th over. England closed at 169/5, setting a formidable target.
Brief scores: England Women 169/5 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 75, Heather Knight 58; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-25, Shabnim Ismail 2-31) beat South Africa Women 129/8 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 51, Laura Wolvaardt 17; Lauren Bell 2-28, Charlie Dean 2-32) by 40 runs
In reply, South Africa began steadily with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits adding 43 for the opening wicket. Brits fought valiantly, reaching a half century, but wickets fell regularly at the other end. Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Freya Kemp, Charlie Dean, and Lauren Bell all chipped in, with Dean and Bell taking two wickets each. Brits’ dismissal for 50 effectively ended South Africa’s hopes as they collapsed to 129/8.
The victory avenged England’s previous semifinal defeats to South Africa at the 2025 ODI World Cup and 2023 T20 World Cup. England now face defending champions Australia in Sunday’s final at Lord’s. Both teams remain unbeaten in the tournament, with England aiming to preserve their flawless record as hosts, having never lost a women’s World Cup—T20 or ODI—on home soil.
Brief scores: England Women 169/5 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 75, Heather Knight 58; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-25, Shabnim Ismail 2-31) beat South Africa Women 129/8 in 20 overs (Tazmin Brits 51, Laura Wolvaardt 17; Lauren Bell 2-28, Charlie Dean 2-32) by 40 runs