England start ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with two wins

News Update

Tezzbuzz|08-10-2024

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Nat Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 48 helped England overtake South Africa by seven wickets and start the Women’s T20 World Cup with two wins on Monday.

Sciver-Brunt’s 36-ball knock complemented Danielle Wyatt-Hodge’s run-a-ball 43 as England reached 125-3 with four balls to spare in reply to South Africa’s 124-6.

England previously beat Bangladesh by 21 runs, while South Africa beat the West Indies by 10 wickets in Group B.

South Africa won the toss and skipper Laura Wolvaardt leading the way with 42 off 39 balls, including three fours.

Her opening stand with Tazmin Brits (18) was worth 31 runs, and her second-wicket stand with Anneke Bosch (18) added another 40 off 49.

When Bosch was bowled in the 14th over, South Africa was well placed at 71-2.

But England brought spin into play and squeezed the scoring rate. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone picked up 2-15 in four overs. Sarah Glenn took a miserly 1-18 and Charlie Dean 1-25.

The turning point was Ecclestone bowling Wolvaardt in the 16th over. South Africa went from 88-3 to losing four more wickets for 36 runs off the remaining 26 deliveries.

Annerie Dercksen scored 20 not out off 11 balls, including two fours and a six.

England lost Maia Bouchier cheaply, but Wyatt-Hodge and Sciver-Brunt polished off the chase.

Wyatt-Hodge followed her 41 against Bangladesh with another match-winning effort, as she hit four boundaries.

She put on 34 off 26 balls with Alice Capsey, and sealed the game with Sciver-Brunt in a 64-run stand off 55 balls for the third wicket.

Sciver-Brunt hit six fours.

On Tuesday, Australia plays New Zealand, also in Sharjah.

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