England Women finally exorcised the evils of their recent past with a thumping 40-run win over South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup at Kennington Oval on Thursday, booking a thrilling title clash against Australia at Lord’s on July 5.

Having suffered heartbreaking defeats to the Proteas in the semi-finals of the 2023 T20 World Cup and 2025 ODI World Cup, England enter the competition carrying the burden of those painful memories. However, led by captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, the hosts produced a brilliant all-round performance to end South Africa’s campaign and keep alive their dream of lifting the trophy on home soil.

England vs South Africa, Women’s T20 World Cup Semifinal: Update | Achievement:

The win also sets up an ideal finale between the two unbeaten teams of the tournament. Australia captured the title by defeating West Indies in the first semi-final, while England responded with an equally dominant performance and ensured that cricket fans were treated to one of the biggest rivalries in women’s cricket on the grand stage of Lord’s.

South Africa made a great start

The evening got off to a bad start for England as South Africa chose to bowl first due to overcast conditions. Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail made full use of the movement on offer, dismantling the top order and reducing the hosts to 22/3 inside the powerplay.

Ismail created history when she dismissed Amy Jones to become the first bowler to take 50 wickets in Women’s T20 World Cup history. Capp then bowled out the tournament’s top scorer Danny Wyatt-Hodge for 12, after which Ismail had Ellis Capsey out LBW, reducing England’s score to 35/3 after six overs.

With South Africa in strong control, England were in desperate need of someone to steady the innings, and their experienced campaigners answered the call in spectacular fashion.

Strong comeback of Sciver-Brunt

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, returning from injury, played an innings befitting the occasion. Along with former captain Heather Knight, they withstood the early pressure before launching a remarkable counterattack that completely changed the momentum.

The pair made a record-breaking 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket in a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final. Sciver-Brunt performed brilliantly, scoring 75 runs in 47 balls with the help of 11 fours and a six and registered her eighth Women’s T20 World Cup half-century to equal the tournament record.

Knight played an excellent supporting role and scored 58 runs in 47 balls with the help of six fours and a six. The duo cleverly rotated the strike, punished loose balls and did not allow South Africa to make any breakthroughs in the middle overs.

England made a great recovery

Although Nonkululeko Mlaba struck twice in the final over to dismiss both well-set batsmen and finish with figures of 2/25, the damage had already been done.

Danny Gibson added valuable runs with four byes on the last ball to take England to a strong score of 169/7. Given the position they were in after the powerplay, the hosts had staged one of the finest recoveries in Women’s T20 World Cup knockout history.

For South Africa, Kapp was exceptional with the new ball, returning figures of 1/16 from four economical overs, while Ismail finished with 2/31 after a brilliant opening spell.

England’s bowlers tightened their grip

Chasing 170, South Africa made a confident start through openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brittas, who added 43 runs for the opening wicket and kept the required pace under control for some time. However, the England bowlers never allowed the innings to gain sustained momentum.

Lynsey Smith made the breakthrough by dismissing Wolvaardt for 17, with Sophie Ecclestone taking a brilliant overhead catch. From here the England attack strengthened its grip on the match.

Charlie Dean removed both Marijne Kapp and the dangerous Brits, whose fighting 51 proved to be South Africa’s only significant contribution with the bat. Freya Kemp cleverly mixed her pace to dismiss Anne Dirksen, Lauren Bell removed Sune Luus before producing a superb slow yorker to clean bowl Ayabonga Khaka, while Ecclestone completed another economical spell with the wicket of Chloe Tryon.

England were equally quick in the field, with Danny Wyatt-Hodge producing a direct-hit run-out to dismiss Sinalo Jafta as South Africa slipped further behind the asking rate.

Only the Britons crossed the 50-run mark, while the Proteas were restricted to 130, giving England a comprehensive win. Sciver-Brunt’s side now head to Lord’s full of confidence for a blockbuster final against defending champions Australia, where the title will be decided between the two unbeaten teams of the tournament.

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