South Africa faced off against England in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 at Newlands in Cape Town on Friday (February 24) and marched into the ultimate championship battle after winning the encounter by six runs.
Electing to bat first, South Africa got off to a steady start, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits putting up a partnership of 96 runs. Wolvaardt scored 53 runs off 44 balls, while Brits played a brilliant knock of 68 runs from 55 deliveries to power the hosts to a strong total of 164/4 in their allotted 20 overs.
On the other hand, Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers for England, taking three wickets for 22 runs in her four overs. Lauren Bell also claimed a wicket after conceding 21 runs.
Chasing 165, England started well with Danielle Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley putting up a partnership of 53 runs. However, the wickets kept falling at regular intervals, and the English team found it challenging to keep up with the required run rate. Nat Sciver-Brunt (40) and skipper Heather Knight (31) tried their best to keep the team in the game, but their efforts fell short as England could manage to score only 158 for the loss of eight wickets in their 20 overs, and the hosts eventually won the contest by six runs.
Ayabonga Khaka was the star with the ball for South Africa as she picked up four wickets for 29 runs. Shabnim Ismail also bowled well for the Proteas, taking three wickets for 27 runs in her quota of four overs.
In the meantime, Brits was adjudged ‘Player of the Match’ for her exceptional performance with the bat.
With the win, South Africa have booked a place in the finals for the first time in the tournament’s history and will face mighty Australia in the summit clash on Sunday (February 26).
Hosts South Africa are through to the finals. #SAvENG #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/88Bo4Bn9Fp
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 24, 2023
