Women’s T20 World Cup: Nat Sciver-Brunt makes heroic return against South Africa, England vs Australia in final | Cricket News
England captain Nat Seaver-Brent produced a superb comeback from injury to lead the team to a 40-run win over South Africa in the semi-final at The Oval on Thursday to reach the Women’s T20 World Cup final.The victory sets up a blockbuster title clash with unbeaten Australia at the home stadium on Sunday, the first time since 2010 that two unbeaten teams have played in the Women’s T20 World Cup final.England restricted South Africa to 129/8 at 169/5 in front of a record crowd of 21,128 for the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
Sciver-Brunt and Knight script chronicling the rescue
Seaver Brunt missed England’s last three group matches with a calf injury and upon his return he walked to the crease in just seven balls of the innings. After a hot start, England were soon in trouble at 23/3. Shabnim Ismail and Marissa Karp.The England captain joined forces with former skipper Heather Knight to form one of the greatest partnerships in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup, adding 133 runs for the fourth wicket, the highest score in a World Cup knockout match.Sciver-Brunt took the lead with 75 off 47 balls, including 50 runs out, while Knight steadied the innings with 58 off 47 deliveries. Their stand broke the previous record of 122 World Cup knockout matches set by England when they faced Australia in the 2009 semi-finals.“I was nervous,” Seaver Brunt admitted after the game. “The occasion became quite big, so that added to the nerves and I missed a few games. But as soon as the warm-up started, I managed to get back to game time and enjoy myself there. Heather and I, with our experience, we worked together and got the job done.”Seaver-Brent also equaled New Zealand’s Suzy Bates and Australia’s Beth Mooney for the longest half-century in the Women’s T20 World Cup with eight innings.
England take on Australia, South Africa in trouble
South Africa’s decision to bowl first paid off initially, with Ismail and Kapp breaking England’s top order. Ismail also became the first woman to reach 50 wickets in the history of Women’s T20 World Cup.However, once the new star pair completed their tenure, England took complete control of the game through the experienced Seaver-Brent-Knight partnership.Chasing 170 runs, South Africa never recovered after losing captain Laura Walvat, Anne Dirksen and Kapu cheaply. By the 11th round, the required run-rate has exceeded 11 overs per over, leaving last year’s finalists facing an almost impossible task.In the opener Tazmin England scored 51 off 45 balls but lacked support and South Africa ended the match at 129/8.
England look to win first title since 2009
England’s disciplined bowling contributed both offensively, with Freya Kemp taking 1/11, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone took 1/21 and added two catches.England remain unbeaten throughout the tournament and now head into Sunday’s final with confidence as they prepare to take on world number one Australia at Lord’s. The match is destined to be the ultimate showdown between two of the best teams, with England aiming to defeat the defending champions and claim their first Women’s T20 World Cup title since 2009.
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