Nat Sciver-Brunt steers England Women to victory over South Africa

LONDON: Nat Sciver-Brunt scored a commanding half-century, while Amy Jones played a 31-run cameo to steer England Women to a thrilling four-wicket victory over South Africa Women in the first T20I here at Buffalo Park on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 153, Nat Sciver-Brunt led the charge with a 59-run knock from 54 balls with the help of seven boundaries. However, she fell in the last over with scores levelled.

Other than Sciver-Brunt, Maia Bouchier (20) and Amy Jones (31) were major contributors for England Women with their quick-fire cameos against an inspired South Africa bowling attack.

Eliz-Mari Marx took three wickets, while Nadine de Klerk bagged two for South Africa.

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Nadine de Klerk also contributed with the bat to set up South African women’s total of 142-5. She struck an unbeaten 29 off 16 balls with the help of four boundaries.

Annerie Dercksen also remained unbeaten after scoring a scratchy 26 runs from 29 balls. Prior to them, captain Laura Wolvaardt provided a good start with 22 off 19, while Anneke Bosch and Tazmin Brits added 18 and 15 runs respectively.

For England, Charlie Dean claimed two wickets, while Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn and Freya Kemp bagged one each.

South Africa Women PLaying XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Suné Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi

England Women Playing XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (c), Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell

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