- South Africa defeated England on Friday to reach Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time in history
- The Proteas will face defending champions Australia, who had earlier defeated India
South Africa defeated England on Friday to reach Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time in history. Pacers Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail shared seven wickets as South Africa staged a spectacular fight-back on Friday.
England had won four games from four and were being touted as the only team who could stop Australia from winning the trophy. But South Africa, an underdog nation with nothing to lose turned out to be England’s nightmare in the semi-final clash in Cape Town.
England were leading 53-0 after five overs and 131-3 after 16 in a chase of 165. Things turned sour for England after the dismissal of Nat Sciver-Brunt (40 off 34).
South Africa have qualified for the T20 Women’s World Cup for the first time in history. Photo/ Flashscore.com.
Daniel Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley made a flying start to take England to 53 for no loss in five overs. However, South Africa were brought back into the game by pacer Shabnim Ismail with a double strike in the sixth over. Tamzin Britz would then catch incoming batters Dunkley and Alice Capsey at midwicket.
England were in a better position to clinch victory against South Africa with eight wickets in hand and 81 needed off last 60 balls. However, South Africa would surprise everyone with a roaring comeback. Ismail got rid of England’s skipper Heather Knight in the middle with 13 needed off the last over.
Speaking after the win, South Africa’s Tamzin Britz thanked the fans for supporting them throughout the match.
“As a cricketer, you dream of these moments, to show up when you need it the most. I want to say thank you to the crowd. They very much got behind us and without them, this wouldn’t be possible. You can really hear what it means for our country… Finals here we come!” Sky Sports quotes Tamzin Britz.
Australia On Course For Third Title In A Row
Defending champions Australia defeated India by five runs to reach the Women’s T20 World Cup final. They will be facing hosts South Africa on Sunday as they aim for a sixth overall title.
The Southern Stars looked on course for exit in Cape Town after Harmanpreet Kaur’s 32-ball fifty left India requiring just 41 from 34 balls while chasing 173. However, Harmanpreet’s bat got stuck in the pitch causing her to be run out.
India, who committed several errors in the pitch, were eventually punished. Beth Mooney dropped 54 off 37 when she had 32 while Meg Lanning managed 49no off 34 when she was on just one.
Australia will face South Africa in Sunday’s final. Photo/ Sky Sports.
Speaking after the the clash, Australia captain Meg Lanning said that it was one of their best wins.
“To fight back from the position we were in, it was one of the best wins I’ve been involved in. We didn’t play our best cricket but I was so proud of the girls. India were coming hard at us so we knew it was going to be hard to defend and it came down to the wire. We got a little bit of luck with the Kaur wicket but we just had to hang in there and we got over the line.” Meg Lanning said after Australia reached the Women’s T20 World Cup final.
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