Sciver Brunt steers England past South Africa

England defeated South Africa by seven wickets behind the outstanding hitting of Nat Sciver-Brunt, who led his team to their second victory of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

After South Africa decided to bat first, England needed to win by 125 runs, with skipper Laura Wolvaardt leading the way with 42 and all-rounder Marizanne Kapp contributing a vital 26.

Later, in the early stages of England's run chase, Kapp showed promise with the ball to limit the opposition. However, Sciver-Brunt delivered a match-winning innings of 48 from 36 balls, together with a run-a-ball 43 from Danni Wyatt-Hodge, to get England over the finish line with four balls remaining.

Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits took 31 from the first five overs as South Africa got off to a fast start. However, Brits was removed for 13 at the beginning of the sixth over after being caught by Linsey Smith.

Alongside Wolvaardt, who was bowled by Sarah Glenn after putting up a determined 18 off 26 balls, Anneke Bosch was also making waves for the Proteas.

That was a key breakthrough for England, who then got the crucial wicket of Wolvaardt just over two overs later, with ace spinner Sophie Ecclestone pegging back middle stump to eliminate the South Africa skipper for 42.

It ended too soon a promising partnership with Kapp, who spearheaded the attack in the last few overs, hitting three figures for South Africa with a blistering 26 off 17 balls.

Charlie Dean got the wicket of Chloe Tryon (2) as England attempted to turn the tide in the penultimate over, and then Ecclestone bowled Kapp.

With a deft run out of Sune Luus (1), Nat Sciver-Brunt caused more damage, but the 2023 runners-up answered with consecutive boundaries from Annerie Dercksen, who finished with an undefeated 20 along with Nadine de Klerk (1) to set up England a chase of 125 to win.

England started cautiously, with well-controlled length and line from Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka limiting the first pair, Maia Bouchier and Wyatt-Hodge.

Before Kapp struck in the fifth over, he sealed a wicket maiden by pinning Bouchier leg before dismissing the opener for just eight runs off 20 balls. The combination had given up just eight runs from the opening three overs.

England, needing to increase the run rate, responded admirably, scoring 12 runs in the powerplay's last over as Alice Capsey attempted to right the ship.

Capsey took advantage of being bowled by Nadine de Klerk for trying to knock down the ground, and he raced to 19 from 16 balls after being dropped without scoring. This left England at 50 for two.

Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt were able to establish a solid partnership as a result, batting well together in the middle overs to match the pace and put England in a winning position.

With 11 runs needed from the last two overs, Wyatt-Hodge was stumped off Nonkululeko Mlaba for 43, bringing the stand to 64.

However, Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight stayed firm, and to finish off a fantastic performance in Sharjah, Sciver-Brunt sealed the win with a boundary through the covers.

Quick scores

At the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, South Africa will play England.

In 20 overs, South Africa scored 124/6 (Laura Wolvaardt 42, Marizanne Kapp 26; Sophie Ecclestone 2/15, Sarah Glenn 1/18).

Nat Sciver-Brunt 48 not out, Danni Wyatt-Hodge 43; Marizanne Kapp 1/17, Nonkululeko Mlaba 1/22) make England 125/3 in 19.2 overs.

England wins by seven wickets as a result.