South Africa Script History With 6-Run Win Against England; Cruise To Women's T20 World Cup Final

Cricket Image for South Africa Script History With 6-Run Win Against England; Cruise To Women's T20 (Image Source: AFP)

ENGW vs SAW: In a historic feat, South Africa defeated England by 6 runs in the 2nd semi-final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 to proceed to the finals. South Africa have finally registered a semi-final win for the first time. 

Chasing 165 runs to win, England openers got off to a good start as Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt added 53 runs for the first wicket in 5 overs. Dunkley was dismissed by Shabnim Ismail after scoring 28 runs in 16 balls with 6 fours. Ismail dealt another blow in the same over as Alice Capsey departed for a two-ball duck. 

Wyatt and Nat Sciver-Brunt then added 32 runs before the former was dismissed by Ayabonga Khaka after scoring 34 runs in 30 balls. Nat Sciver-Brunt was dismissed in the 17th over by Nadine de Klerk after scoring 40 runs in 34 balls. In the 18th over, Khaka struck with three wickets to squander England's hopes of making it to the finals. England finished on 158/8 in 20 overs, 7 runs shy of the target. 

While Nat Sciver-brunt remained the top scorer, Ayabinga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail grabbed 4 and 3 wickets respectively for South Africa. Nadine also registered 1 wicket to her name. Prior to this, South Africa were winless in the two semi-final matches against England. South Africa will now face off against Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup 2023 on February 26th. 

In the first innings, openers Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt scored excellent fifties as they powered South Africa to 164/4 against England in semi-final 2 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023. 

Opening the innings, Wolvaardt and Brits added 96 runs for the first wicket in 13.3 overs before spinner Sophie Ecclestone dismissed the batter. Tazmin Brits on the other end continued scoring and was eventually dismissed in the 18th over against Lauren Bell after scoring 68 runs. 

Brits and Marizanne Kapp added 46 runs for the second wicket. The latter remained unbeaten on 27 runs in 13 balls with 4 boundaries. Prior to this, South Africa have lost to England both times they've met in a World Cup semi-final. Now they need to defend 164 runs to meet Australia in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023. 

Earlier, South Africa captain Sune Luus won the toss & opted to bat first against England in the 2nd semi-final of the Women's T20 World Cup 2023. This match was played at Newlands, Cape Town. 

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