In Short
- South Africa defeated England by 6 runs in the semi-final in Cape Town
- It was South Africa’s first-ever World Cup final berth (men or women)
- South Africa will take on Australia in the final in Cape Town on Sunday
By India Today Sports DeskSouth Africa women put in a heroic effort as they became the first team from their country to reach a cricket World Cup (men or women) final on Friday, February 24. Riding on a terrific all-round effort, South Africa defeated former champions England by successfully defending a 164-run total at Newlands in Cape Town.
Cheered on by the passionate fans at Newlands, South African bowlers overcame an ordinary start to choke the highly-rated England batters and seal a 6-run win. South Africa will take on 5-time champions Australia in the final at the same venue in Cape Town on Sunday, February 26.
Notably, Sane Luus-led South Africa had scripted history when they stepped on the field to take on England as they had become the first Proteas team (men or women) to reach the semi-final of the home World Cup. Having been in the semi-final thrice in the past, Luus’s side ensured there was not another heartbreak and disappointment for the home fans as they came up with a terrific bowling show in the end overs.
Pacers Ayabonga Khaka (4 for 29) and Shabnim Ismail (3/27) were the stars for South Africa with the ball as they rattled the England batting unit in the second half of the chase.
Earlier in the day, it was the heroics of openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits that saw them post a competitive total of 164 for 4 in 20 overs. Wolvaardt was severe against the England new-ball bowlers as she hit a six and 5 boundaries for her 44-ball 53.
Wolvaardt and Brits were involved in a 96-run opening stand after which Sophie Ecclestone gave England the much-needed breakthrough in the 14th over.
Brits was taking her time in the partnership with Wolvaardt but she pushed one and pressed the accelerator during her quickfire partnership with Marizanne Kapp, who provided the fireworks that South Africa needed at the end.
Brits hit 68 from just 55 balls, smashing 2 sixes and 6 boundaries while Kapp’s 13-ball 27 gave South Africa the much-needed push in the end overs.
Sophie Ecclestone, the World No. 1 bowler, delivered when it needed for England, picking up 2 wickets in the 19th over and conceding just 3 runs but Katherine Brunt gave away 18 runs in the final over as South Africa went past 160.
Kole Prosacco
Rodolfo Frami
Rodrigo Wolf