LONDON : Hosts England defeated South Africa by 40 runs in their Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at the Oval on Thursday to book a title showdown with defending champions Australia.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt marked her return from a calf strain with a match-winning 75 off 47 balls, sharing a 133-run partnership with Heather Knight, who made 58 from 47 deliveries.
England recovered from a precarious 23-3 after being put in to bat, finishing on 169-5 thanks to the rebuilding efforts of Sciver-Brunt and Knight.
South Africa never seriously threatened the target and were restricted to 129-8.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt made 17 before she was caught by Sophie Ecclestone off the bowling of Linsey Smith after a 43-run opening partnership.
Tazmin Brits top-scored for South Africa with 51 from 45 balls, but England’s bowlers kept the required rate climbing throughout the chase.
The victory sends England into their first Women’s T20 World Cup final in eight years, where they will face six-time champions Australia at Lord’s on Sunday.
