England have booked their place in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup being held on home soil, beating South Africa by 40 runs in the second semifinal at The Oval. Batting first, England posted 169/5, and South Africa were restricted to 129/8 in reply. England will now face six-time champions Australia, who also remain unbeaten in the tournament, in the final at Lord's on July 5.
The title carries huge significance for England. Back in 2009, England became the very first T20 World Cup champions after beating New Zealand in the inaugural edition. Should England lift the trophy this time, it would be their first title in 17 years.
From 23/3 to a match-winning 133-run stand
The biggest story of the night was England's remarkable recovery after an early stumble. The side had slipped to 23/3 before Nat Sciver-Brunt, back from injury, and captain Heather Knight took charge. The pair put on a blistering 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket off just 90 balls, completely turning the match around. Sciver-Brunt, returning after missing three matches with a shin injury, smashed 75 off 47 balls, while Knight matched her with 58 off 47 balls.
Bowlers finish the job
After the batters laid the foundation, England's bowlers made sure the job was finished, holding South Africa to 129/8 in reply to 169 and sealing a comfortable 40-run win. Notably, this same England side had lost to South Africa in the semifinal of last year's 50-over World Cup and also in the semifinal of the 2023 T20 World Cup, making this win one that settled some old scores.
Ismail's landmark strike removes Jones first ball
South Africa's Ismail made history by dismissing England opener Amy Jones with the very first ball of the innings, becoming the first woman to complete 50 wickets in the T20 Women's World Cup. England, however, recovered from the early setback and launched a swift counter-attack.
Mlaba strikes twice in three balls
South Africa's Mlaba struck twice within three balls, removing both Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt to hand her side a double breakthrough. By then, though, England had already put enough runs on the board to leave South Africa needing to chase down the second-highest successful run chase in T20 Women's World Cup history, no easy task.
Ecclestone's stunning catch ends Wolvaardt's fight
Chasing 170, South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt did not get to face a single delivery in the first three overs. She faced just four balls and scored two runs, though by the end of the powerplay she had reached 13 runs at a run-a-ball rate. Facing Linsey Smith, Wolvaardt advanced down the track attempting to clear mid-on, but Ecclestone leapt backwards and pouched a spectacular overhead catch, breaking South Africa's 43-run opening partnership. By the end of the powerplay, the required run rate had already climbed to nine an over, and it kept rising steadily from there, with South Africa eventually bowled out for 129/8.
The stage is set for Lord's
After 22 days and 32 matches in the tournament, all attention now turns to the final at Lord's on July 5, where an unbeaten England will take on an unbeaten Australia. The match is scheduled to start at 6:30 PM IST.
