England Women Secure Comfortable 7-Wicket Victory Over South Africa Women in T20 World Cup 2024
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| This victory marks England Women's second consecutive win in the tournament, reinforcing their strong start. / Getty |
England Women continued their dominant run in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, registering a commanding 7-wicket victory over South Africa Women in Sharjah.
This win propels the Heather Knight-led side to the top of the points table in Group B, marking their second consecutive victory of the tournament.
South Africa, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted a competitive total of 124/6 in their 20 overs.
The Proteas openers began cautiously, but the early dismissal of Tazmin Brits for 13, courtesy of Linsey Smith, set them back. England’s bowlers, particularly Sophie Ecclestone, kept the pressure on, restricting the flow of boundaries after the powerplay.
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt struggled to find her rhythm, eventually departing for 42 after being dismissed by Ecclestone. Handy contributions from Marizanne Kapp (26 off 17) and a quickfire knock from Annerie Dercksen (20* off 11) helped South Africa finish strongly, posting the highest total at this venue in the tournament so far.
Sophie Ecclestone was the standout bowler for England, taking 2/15 in her four overs, while skipper Heather Knight effectively utilized her bowlers to restrict South Africa’s scoring.
Chasing 125, England’s openers were put under immediate pressure by South Africa’s seamers, who bowled tightly in the powerplay. Maia Bouchier struggled to get going and was dismissed for a painstaking 8 off 20 balls. Alice Capsey contributed a quick 19 off 16, but it was the steady partnership between Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt that guided England home.
Wyatt-Hodge played a crucial knock of 43 from 43 balls, while Sciver-Brunt anchored the chase with an unbeaten 48 off 36 balls. The duo added a match-winning 64-run stand that took the game away from South Africa. Despite Wyatt-Hodge’s dismissal late in the innings, Sciver-Brunt ensured England reached the target with ease, finishing the chase in 18.5 overs.
England Women now sit comfortably at the top of Group B, looking strong as they push forward in the T20 World Cup 2024. South Africa, on the other hand, will need to regroup and come back stronger in their next match as they seek their first win of the tournament.
Score Summary:
- South Africa Women: 124/6 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 42, Marizanne Kapp 26, Sophie Ecclestone 2/15)
- England Women: 125/3 in 18.5 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 48*, Danni Wyatt-Hodge 43)
England won by 7 wickets.