Sharjah, Oct 7 (UNI) In a dramatic finish, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danielle Hodge led England to a convincing win over South Africa, successfully chasing down a target of 125 runs with four balls to spare.
Sciver-Brunt played a key role, fittingly hitting the winning runs and showcasing her prowess as a key player in the squad.
England’s chase got off to a shaky start as Maia Bouchier struggled to find the gaps, falling to Kapp during the powerplay. Alice Capsey, after receiving a reprieve on zero, batted positively against the spinners, striking three boundaries before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk. It was then that Sciver-Brunt joined Hodge, and together they steadied the innings, carefully pacing their chase.
The match had been set up earlier by England’s brisk bowling performance, which concluded in just 75 minutes. The pitch at Sharjah presented a challenging environment where runs were hard to come by, leading England to employ a strategic approach, including 16 overs of spin throughout South Africa’s innings.
Laura Wolvaardt anchored the South African batting with a composed 42 runs off 39 balls, while significant contributions from Marizanne Kapp (26 off 17) and Annerie Dercksen (20* off 11) helped the team post a competitive total. Despite their efforts, the South African batswomen found it difficult to score against England’s spin attack, particularly struggling against Sciver-Brunt’s bowling during her costly 4-over spell.
As England took to the crease, they faced a formidable challenge from South Africa’s spinners. However, Sciver-Brunt and Hodge’s partnership of 64 runs for the third wicket proved decisive, as Hodge was dropped twice before ultimately being dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Sciver-Brunt’s calm presence ensured that England remained in control, guiding her team to victory and reinforcing their momentum in the tournament. With this win, England solidified their position as a formidable contender, showcasing their depth and talent on the international stage.
Brief scores
South Africa Women’s Innings: 124-6 (20 Overs) Wolvaardt 42, Kapp 26, Dercksen 20*; Sciver-Brunt 4-34-0, Smith 4-32-1, Dean 4-25-1, Ecclestone 4-15-2, Glenn 4-18-1; England Women’s Innings: 125-3 (19.2 Overs) Bouchier 8, Wyatt-Hodge 43, Capsey 19, Sciver-Brunt 48*; Kapp 4-17-0, Khaka 3.2-21-0, Tryon 3-25-0, Mlaba 4-21-1, de Klerk 4-23-0. UNI BDN AKS