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England’s hopes of a first Women’s T20 World Cup title since 2009 are over after a six-run defeat to South Africa in a nail-biting semi-final at Cape Town.
England were 53-0 inside the powerplay and 131-3 after 16 overs in a chase of 165, only for the dismissal of Nat Sciver-Brunt (40 off 34) to trigger a collapse of 4-8, with three wickets coming in Ayabonga Khaka’s three-run 18th over.
A six from Heather Knight (31 off 25) in the 19th left England requiring 13 from Shabnim Ismail’s 20th over but she was then bowled as South Africa reached their maiden World Cup final after five previous semi-final defeats across the T20-over and 50-over tournaments.
The Proteas will now look to deny defending champions Australia a third title in a row and sixth overall in Sunday’s final at Newlands, at which they should have another vocal home support.
England finished on 158-8 as they suffered a first defeat in 13 full international matches since Jon Lewis took over as head coach in November, with Tazmin Brits starring with the bat and in the field for South Africa.
Brits (68 off 55) shared an opening stand of 96 with Laura Wolvaardt (55 off 43) as the Proteas posted 164-4 after electing to bat on a used surface, and then took four catches, including a one-hander screamer to dismiss Alice Capsey (0).
More to follow.
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