Highlights from the England vs. South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 semifinal: Up until South Africa rallied and advanced to the championship game’s final three overs of the innings, England was coasting along in the chase.
Highlights from the England vs. South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 semifinal: After holding South Africa to 164/4, England was coasting when the final three overs of their innings changed the course of the match. At the end of the 16th over, England had scored 131 runs, and even though South Africa claimed the important wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt in the 17th, England appeared to be able to continue scoring at the same pace. Ayabonga Khaka, collecting three wickets, bowled what might be remembered as the game-changing over of the tournament.
The victory was subsequently secured by Shabnim Ismail’s dismissal of England captain Heather Knight in the final over. Previously, South Africa’s powerplay inning got off to a poor start, but the openers picked up the pace and put up a stout defence. Ending with a half-century, Laura Wolvaardt’s opening partnership with Tazmin Brits produced 96 runs. With Brits’ second consecutive half-century, who had previously failed to reach 140 in this competition, South Africa grabbed control and was poised to surpass 170.
Following a sensational 19th over from Sophie Ecclestone in which she claimed two wickets, South Africa reached 164/4 after the 20th over went for 18. For the first time ever, South Africa has advanced to the T20 World Cup final, where they will take on the formidable Australia on Sunday.