England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt produced a remarkable comeback innings after recovering from injury to lead her side into the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup with a 40-run victory over South Africa in the semi-final at the Oval on Thursday.The win set up a blockbuster title clash against unbeaten Australia at a sold-out Lord’s on Sunday, marking the first Women’s T20 World Cup final since 2010 with two unbeaten teams.England posted 169/5 before restricting South Africa to 129/8 in front of a record crowd of 21,128 in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
Sciver-Brunt and Knight script record rescue
Returning after missing England’s last three group games with a calf injury, Sciver-Brunt walked to the crease just seven balls into the innings. England were soon reeling at 23/3 after a fiery opening spell from Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp.The England skipper combined with former captain Heather Knight to produce one of the greatest partnerships in Women’s T20 World Cup history, adding 133 runs for the fourth wicket – the highest ever stand in a World Cup knockout match.Sciver-Brunt led the charge with a brilliant 75 off 47 balls, with 50 of his runs coming in boundaries, while Knight anchored the innings with a composed 58 from 47 deliveries. His haul surpassed England’s record of 122 in the World Cup elimination of Australia in the 2009 semi-finals.“I was nervous,” Sciver-Brunt admitted after the match. “The occasion becomes quite big so it increases the nerves, and I missed a few games. But as soon as the warmup started, I was able to return to game time and I just had fun outside. Heather and I, with our experience, we put our heads together and I did the job.”The innings also saw Sciver-Brunt equal the record for most half-centuries in Women’s T20 World Cup history with eight, drawing level with New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Australia’s Beth Mooney.
South Africa struggle as England seal Australia
South Africa’s decision to bowl initially paid dividends as Ismail and Kapp tore apart England’s top order. Ismail also became the first woman to reach 50 wickets in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.However, once the new bowling pair finished their spells, England took complete control through the experienced Sciver-Brunt-Knight partnership.Chasing 170, South Africa never recovered after losing captain Laura Wolvaardt, Annerie Dercksen and Kapp at close range. At 11, the required race pace was raised more than 11 times, leaving last year’s finalists with an almost impossible task.Opener Tazmin Brits batted with a 45-ball 51 but lacked support as South Africa finished on 129/8.
England’s first title since 2009
England’s disciplined bowling effort featured contributions from across the attack, with Freya Kemp returning outstanding figures of 1/11, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone claimed 1/21 and added two catches.Having been unbeaten throughout the tournament, England now head into Sunday’s final brimming with confidence as they prepare to take on world number 1 Australia at Lord’s. The clash promises to be a fitting finale between the competition’s two best sides, with England aiming to dethrone the defending champions and capture their first Women’s T20 World Cup title since 2009.
