After choosing to play on a difficult track, South Africa was restricted to 124/6 by England’s four-pronged spin attack, spearheaded by Sophie Ecclestone (2/15).
England defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup in Sharjah on Monday, thanks to an all-round performance. England’s four-pronged spin attack, led by Sophie Ecclestone (2/15), strangled South Africa in the final overs, limiting them to 124/6 after they chose to bat on a tough track. In response, England lost two wickets in nine overs, but openers Danni Wyatt-Hodge (43 off 43) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (48 not out off 36b; 6×4) took complete control of the chase, finishing with four balls to spare.
Together, they scored 64 runs, which came off of just 55 balls, to win the match. Dani was out of the game due to a stumping.
However, by that point, the game was reduced to 11 runs from 12 balls, and in the last over, Sciver-Brunt completed the victory by hitting Ayabonga Khaka for a boundary by taking extra cover.
After a calm start, South Africa scored just 39 runs after losing four wickets in the final four overs.
Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa, appeared unwavering, but it was Ecclestone who started the collapse, removing the captain eight runs short of her fifty.Sarah Glenn, a legspinner, complimented Ecclestone superbly, giving only 1/18 in four overs.
Brief Scores. South Africa lost by seven wickets to England 125/3 in 19.2 overs (Danni Wyatt-Hodge 43, Nat Sciver-Brunt 48 not out) after scoring 124/6 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 42, Annerie Dercksen 20 not out; Sophie Ecclestone 2/15, Sarah Glenn 1/18).