ENG-W vs SA-W Match Highlights:
In the first T20I at Chelmsford, England Women defeated South Africa Women by six wickets thanks to Sophia Dunkley’s quick-fire 39-ball 59 and Katherine Brunt’s four-wicket haul. In the 15th over, England successfully chased down the 112 runs target, winning the match by 6 wickets.
Laura Wolvaardt, batting at No. 4, led the team for South Africa with a 49-ball 55. Anneke Bosch was the only other batter to reach double digits, which was unfortunate for the guests.
In fact, for the third wicket, Bosch and Wolvaardt put together the innings’ highest partnership of 34 runs. While the dependable Sophia Ecclestone took a few wickets, Brunt returned outstanding figures of 4 for 15.
In the chase, England struggled early on, falling to 30 for 2 after losing Bryony Smith and Danielle Wyatt in the first five overs. With a 39-run partnership with Natalie Sciver for the third wicket, Dunkley took the leadership position and took England near to victory.
Dunkley was eventually bowled out by Bosch in the eleventh over, but by that point, England had comfortably reached a position to win the match. Heather Knight, the captain of England, and Amy Jones then delivered the final 27-runs not out partnership stand. Ayabonga Khaka, claimed a three-wicket haul for South Africa.
Very little has gone well for South Africa since the drawn Test. Going into the first T20I, it couldn’t be a joyful camp after losing the 3 ODIs held prior to T20Is. Star all-arounder Kapp and spinner Sekhukhune have both left the team for personal and medical reasons, respectively, following the surprise retirement of explosive batter Lizelle Lee immediately after the Test amid great controversy.
It seems like a losing rung for South Africa and there is not much to be cheerful about in the camp. England has completely outplayed them in all the formats. The two teams will now next meet on July 23rd, Saturday for the 2nd T20I of the 3-match series.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH– Katherine Brunt, ENG-W (4/15)
