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A much-improved batting performance saw England seal a seven-wicket win over South Africa at the Women’s T20 World Cup.<\/b><\/p>\n
On a more batter-friendly surface than the previous encounters at Sharjah, Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 43 and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 48 helped England reach their target of 125 with four balls to spare.<\/p>\n
The pair rode their luck, with several chances falling short of fielders or into gaps, but were ultimately rewarded for taking calculated risks and smart running between the wickets – in stark contrast to the one-dimensional approach against Bangladesh.<\/a><\/p>\n Opener Maia Bouchier struggled as South Africa dominated the powerplay, before Alice Capsey – who was dropped on nought – added a dynamic 19 to take the sting out of the Proteas’ attack, before the experienced duo’s match-winning partnership of 64. <\/p>\n South Africa, who knocked England out of the previous T20 World Cup in 2023, were restricted to 124-6 after another stellar performance from England’s spinners.<\/p>\n Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt hit 42 but England squeezed the rest, with left-armer Sophie Ecclestone delivering an impeccable 2-15 and Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn claiming a wicket each.<\/p>\n All-rounder Marizanne Kapp threatened to finish the innings explosively before she was bowled by Ecclestone for a 17-ball 26, but Annerie Dercksen’s 20 from 11 balls secured a total over a run a ball, which have been hard to come by throughout this tournament.<\/p>\n England are in a promising position to finish top of Group B, and South Africa are still in contention for a semi-final spot as both teams take on winless Scotland next, with the Proteas playing on Wednesday and England on Saturday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n