THERE was only one match overnight at the 2024 T20 World Cup, and in that match it was England who prevailed, defeating South Africa by seven wickets. South Africa made 6/124 from its 20 overs, before England reached the target with four balls to spare.

South Africa made an okay start to its innings, going at about a run a ball before losing their first wicket. The Proteas’ second wicket partnership was even bigger, but as the wickets started to tumble the partnership sizes started to decrease. Most of the partnerships for the rest of the innings were around 10 or 11 runs.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt shone at the top of the order for South Africa with 42, but the next best score was Marizanne Kapp’s 26.

Meanwhile for the English, Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets to her name, while Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Sarah Glenn also all took a wicket each.

In reply, the English did not get off to the strongest of starts, but did eventually get things on the right track. They went from 1/16 halfway through the fifth over, to 2/50 at the end of the ninth over, to 3/114 at the start of the 19th over. This earlier good work meant that it was pretty easy for Natalie Sciver-Brunt and captain Heather Knight to tie up the loose ends.

Sciver-Brunt ultimately top scored with 48, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge made a run a ball 43.

Meanwhile for the South Africans Kapp, Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine de Klerk were the only ones to pick up a wicket.

This win keeps England’s undefeated start to the tournament in tact, and leaves them as the only undefeated side in their group.

Day 6 Action

Australia vs New Zealand – 6pm local time (1am Wednesday AEST)