England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt produced a remarkable comeback innings after recovering from injury to take his side to the Women’s T20 World Cup final with a commanding 40-run victory over South Africa in the semifinal at The Oval on Thursday.The win sets 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 Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal crowd of 21,128.
Saving the Sciver-Brunt and Knight script record
Returning after missing the last three matches of England’s group stage with a calf injury, Sciver-Brunt walked to the crease just seven balls into the innings. England soon collapsed on 23/3 after a fiery opening spell from: Shabnim Ismail and: Marizanne Kapp.The England skipper teamed up with former captain Heather Knight to form one of the greatest partnerships in Women’s T20 World Cup history, adding 133 runs for the fourth wicket – the highest stand ever in a World Cup knockout match.Sciver-Brunt led the way with a brilliant 75 off 47 balls, with 50 of his runs coming on boundaries, while Knight anchored the innings with 58 from 47 deliveries. Their stand surpassed England’s previous World Cup knockout record partnership of 122 against Australia in the 2009 semifinals.“I was nervous,” Sciver-Brunt admitted after the game. “The occasion was getting bigger so that added to the nervousness, and I missed a few games. But when the warmup started I was able to switch back to game-time and just enjoy myself there. Heather and I, with our experience, we put our heads together and got the job done.”The innings also saw Sciver-Brunt equal the record for most half-centuries in Women’s T20 World Cup history with eight, leveling New Zealand’s Suzie Bates and Australia’s Beth Mooney.
South Africa struggled as England sealed the showdown with Australia
South Africa’s decision to bat first paid dividends as Ismail and Kapp tore through 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, when the new-ball pair finished their spells, England were completely in control through the experienced Sciver-Brunt-Knight partnership.Chasing 170, South Africa could not recover after losing captain Laura Wolvaardt, Annerie Dercksen and Kapp cheaply. In the 11th over, the required run rate rises beyond 11 overs, leaving last year’s finalists with an almost impossible task.Opener Tazmin Brits fought back with a 45-ball 51 but lacked support as South Africa eventually finished on 129/8.
England’s first title since 2009
England’s disciplined bowling effort featured contributions from the entire attack, with Freya Kemp returning impressive figures of 1/11, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone claimed 1/21 and added two catches.Having remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, England now head into Sunday’s final full of confidence as they prepare to take on world No. 1 Australia at Lord’s. The clash promises a fitting finale between two of the competition’s best teams, with England looking to dethrone the defending champions and claim their first Women’s T20 World Cup title since 2009.