England spinner Sophie Ecclestone's all-round performance helped the hosts defeat South Africa Women by 38 runs in the third and final T20 International at the County Ground here to complete a 3-0 series sweep here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecclestone displayed some clean hitting at the back end of the England innings on Monday, scoring an unbeaten 33 off just 12 balls to help her team to a massive 176\/6 in the allotted 20 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She clobbered four boundaries and two massive sixes during an entertaining knock -- also her highest T20I score -- and then backed it up by picking up two crucial wickets to ensure South Africa fell short on the run chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England used seven bowlers against the Proteas, with young quick Issy Wong (1\/40) producing a peach of a delivery to clean bowl South Africa opener Lara Goodall during the opening over of the chase.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Proteas overcame the early loss of Goodall to put together a couple of handy partnerships, with No.3 batter Tazmin Brits leading the way with a stylish half-century. But the Proteas were always going to struggle without the services of dependable all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and skipper Sune Luus, as Ecclestone picked up the vital wicket of the dangerous Laura Wolvaardt for 13 and the required rate continued to rise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Experienced duo Mignon du Preez and Chloe Tryon tried to hit out during the final overs, but Freya Kemp (2\/18) effectively ended any hope the Proteas had when she deceived Brits during the 18th over of the run chase to ensure victory for the hosts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Both teams will now turn their attention to picking up a medal at the Commonwealth Games, which commences in Birmingham later this week.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
England have plenty of depth at their disposal and will be considered a leading contender for gold given they are playing at home and key players such as Nat Sciver, Danni Wyatt and Ecclestone appear to be in good form.<\/p>\r\n\r\n