LONDON: Impressive half-centuries from returning captain Nat Skiver-Friend and Heather Knight and some disciplined bowling helped them beat South Africa by 40 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Oval.
The win puts England through to the final, where they will face arch-rivals Australia at Lord’s on Sunday.
South Africa captain Laura Wohlwart’s decision to field first saw the home side amass a respectable total of 169/5 in 20 overs, courtesy of a century-plus partnership between Knight and returning skipper Skiver-Brunt, who missed their previous three matches due to a recurring injury sustained during last month’s Ireland-Land match.
However, England had a mixed start to their innings as they lost both their openers Amy Jones (two) and Danny Wyatt-Hodge (12) along with middle-order batsman Alice Capsey (1) for just 23 runs in four overs.
Following an early stutter, Knight joined Skiver-Friend in the middle and the pair put on a 133-run fourth-wicket partnership to produce a stunning comeback for England, during which both veterans notched their half-centuries.
Nonkululego Malaba broke the monumental stand with the second delivery of the last over as he dismissed Skiver-Brunt, who was England’s top scorer, with 75 off 47 balls with 11 fours and a six.
Another set batsman hit Knight again in the same over, scoring 58 off 47 balls with six fours and a six.
Bowling all-rounder Danny Gibson contributed unbeaten with a six off one ball as England settled for 169/5.
For South Africa, Shabnim Ismail and Malaba took 2 wickets each and Marizan Cup took one wicket.
Chasing a tough target of 170, South Africa’s batting line-up faltered and despite a half-century from Tasmin Britts, they managed to muster 129/8 in the allotted 20 overs.
The opener fought back for the Proteas women and scored 51 off 45 balls until he fell to Charlie Deane in the second ball of the 15th over.
Apart from him, captain Laura Wohlward (17), with whom she shared a 43-run opening partnership, the middle-order trio of Nadun de Klerk (14), Chloe Tryon (12) and Sune Luce (11) could put up double figures against a dominant England bowling attack.
They were supported by Sophie Ecclestone, Lynsey Smith and Freya Kemp.