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ENG-W Vs SA-W Highlights: Wyatt-Hodge Anchors, Sciver-Brunt Finishes As England Drub South Africa

EN-W vs SA-W Highlights [Source: @englandcricket/x.com]EN-W vs SA-W Highlights [Source: @englandcricket/x.com]

England Women defeated South Africa Women by seven wickets in Match 9 of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024 on Monday in Sharjah. This victory solidified England's dominance in Group B, where they now top the standings with two wins from two matches, accumulating four points.

Here’s the timelines of how EN-W vs SA-W panned out in Sharjah-

ENG-W vs SA-W Highlights: Proteas Start Bright but Falter After Powerplay

After opting to bat first, South African Women got off to a flying start as skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits showcased their brilliance with the bat. The pair put on a 31-run stand, dealing in boundaries and keeping the scoreboard ticking.

However, the English bowlers had the last laugh in the powerplay as Linsey Smith dismissed Brits, who had been riding her luck, having been dropped twice before finally departing for 13.

Wolvaardt, on the other hand, seemed to be in fine touch, timing her strokes beautifully and holding the innings together with a 39-ball 42.

Her partnership with Anneke Bosch looked promising, but it was short-lived as Bosch struggled to find her rhythm.

ENG-W vs SA-W Highlights: England Apply Brakes as Middle Order Crumbles

The momentum shifted drastically post the powerplay as the English spinners took control, leaving the South African batters to grind out runs. Bosch’s struggles culminated in a sluggish 18 off 26 balls, before she was eventually bowled by Sarah Glenn in the 14th over.

Wolvaardt, realizing the need to accelerate, perished while attempting to up the ante, and her dismissal left South Africa teetering. Marizanne Kapp, ever the dependable all-rounder, struck some boundaries and injected life into the innings.

However, her resistance was cut short when she fell for 26 in the penultimate over, leaving her team in hot water. The Proteas were rescued in the final overs by a spirited cameo from Annerie Dercksen, who smashed an 11-ball 20*, pushing South Africa’s total to 124/6.

ENG-W vs SA-W Highlights: England Struggle Early As South African Seamers Dominate

South Africa Women’s bowlers put up a fierce front with the new ball, setting the stage with relentless pressure that England’s openers, Maia Bouchier and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, struggled to withstand.

Bouchier found herself in hot water early on, unable to break free from the tight grip of the Proteas’ pace attack, eventually falling for a painstaking 8 off 20 balls. Wyatt-Hodge, too, had a challenging time in the powerplay.

Alice Capsey then stepped up in the middle overs, bringing a much-needed spark to England’s innings. Her quick-fire 19 off 16 balls provided a solid anchor.

Though brief, Capsey’s knock was instrumental in steering England out of choppy waters, setting the stage for the match-defining partnership that followed.

EN-W vs SA-W Highlights: Wyatt-Hodge and Sciver-Brunt Steady the Ship in Chase

When the chips were down, Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt joined forces, turning the tide with a composed and calculated 64-run stand.

Wyatt-Hodge, in her typical resilient fashion, played the anchor role, keeping the scoreboard ticking while also rotating the strike. Her calm 43 off 43 balls proved vital, helping keep England’s chase on track, while Sciver-Brunt added flair to the innings, finding boundaries with her aggressive shot selection.

Wyatt-Hodge fell just as England approached the finish line, but Sciver-Brunt, remaining unbeaten on a crucial 48 off 36 balls, took the bull by the horns, ensuring no last-minute stumbles. England Women eventually crossed the line with ease, sealing a clinical win.