England booked their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final after a commanding 40-run victory over South Africa at The Oval, setting up a blockbuster title clash against Australia.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt starred on her return from injury with a brilliant 75 off 47 balls, while Heather Knight added a composed 58 as England recovered from an early collapse to post 169-5 in the semifinal.
England were in trouble at 23-3 after losing Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones and Alice Capsey early. However, Sciver-Brunt and Knight stitched together a match-winning 133-run partnership that completely shifted momentum in England’s favour.
Sciver-Brunt, who had missed England’s previous three matches due to a calf injury, looked in complete control throughout her innings and received a standing ovation from the packed Oval crowd after reaching her half-century.
South Africa started steadily in the chase, but England’s bowlers and fielders produced a near-perfect performance to restrict the Proteas to 129-8 in 20 overs.
Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean picked up two wickets each, while Sophie Ecclestone delivered one of the standout moments of the match with a stunning leaping catch to dismiss South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt.
England’s sharp fielding display also included a direct-hit run-out from Wyatt-Hodge, underlining the team’s dramatic improvement under head coach Charlotte Edwards.
The win sends England into their first Women’s T20 World Cup final since 2020, where they will now face defending champions Australia at Lord’s.
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