London, 03 July (H.S.):

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and former skipper Heather Knight produced brilliant half-centuries as hosts England defeated South Africa by 40 runs in the semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday to secure a place in the final. England will now face Australia in the title clash at Lord's on July 6.

Opting to bat first, England endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just 23 runs. However, the returning Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight rescued the innings with a record 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

Sciver-Brunt played a superb knock of 75 off 47 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and a six, while Knight provided excellent support with 58 from 47 balls. Their partnership guided England to a competitive total of 169 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

For South Africa, Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp made early breakthroughs. Ismail claimed two wickets, while Kapp delivered an economical spell, conceding just 16 runs and taking one wicket in her four overs.

Chasing 170 for victory, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals and never managed to build a sustained partnership. Captain Laura Wolvaardt was dismissed for 13, while opener Tazmin Brits fought valiantly with 51 runs but received little support from the rest of the batting line-up.

England's bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the innings. Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean picked up two wickets each, while the remaining bowlers kept the scoring under control to restrict South Africa to 129 for 8 in 20 overs.

England also excelled in the field. Sophie Ecclestone produced a stunning catch to dent South Africa's hopes, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge's direct hit resulted in the run-out of Sinalo Jafta.

The victory also marked England's revenge for recent ICC knockout defeats to South Africa, having lost to them in the semi-finals of the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup and the 2024 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. England are now just one win away from lifting the Women's T20 World Cup trophy on home soil.

Brief Scores:

England: 169/5 (20 overs)

Nat Sciver-Brunt 75 (47), Heather Knight 58 (47)

South Africa: 129/8 (20 overs)

Tazmin Brits 51

Result: England won by 40 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar