Nat scores 75 as England ease past South Africa with 40-run win, to meet Australia in Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final

In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal, skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt returned from injury in style. Nat scored 75 as hosts England set a target of 170 and beat South Africa by 40 runs at Kennington Oval, London, on July 2. Tazmin Brits' half-century went in vain as South Africa couldn't even get close to the target. England will now face Australia in the title clash on July 5 at Lord's, London.

England lose 3 wickets early

Earlier, South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl first. England lost an early wicket as Shabnim Ismail got Amy Jones out with her first delivery. In the next over, an in-form Danni Wyatt-Hodge lost her wicket to Marizanne Kapp. In her fourth over, Shabnim trapped Alice Capsey in front of the stumps. England were 35/3 after powerplay overs. In the middle overs, Nat and Heather Knight looked to rebuild. The acceleration came against Ayabonga Khaka. Nadine de Klerk took a beating as well. Nat reached her fifty from 35 balls in the 14th over.

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Nat, Heather ensure England post challenging total

The partnership reached 100 in the 16th over. Heather hit a six off Ayabonga to reach her fifty from 42 balls in the 17th over. In her third over, Nadine took a beating as Nat hit her for a six and two fours. The partnership was broken by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the penultimate over. Nat went for a slog sweep but was caught by Tazmin at deep square. Her knock of 47-ball 75 featured 11 fours and a six. In the same over, Heather lost her wicket too. She scored 58 runs from 47 balls, including six fours and a six. The 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Nat and Heather is third-highest for England in T20Is. In the final over, Danielle Gibson finished the innings with a boundary, taking England to 169/5. From 68/3 at the halfway stage, England were able to add 101 in the last 10 overs.

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No fight in South Africa’s run chase after powerplay

In the run chase, Tazmin looked for boundaries during fielding restrictions. South Africa lost their captain Laura in the sixth over to Linsey Smith. She scored 17 runs from 15 balls. South Africa were 43/1 after powerplay overs. Freya Kemp was introduced into the attack and she got rid of Annerie Dercksen. No boundaries were scored for four overs after powerplay. Tazmin didn't get much support from the other end as required run rate kept climbing up. Experienced Marizanne lost her wicket to Charlie Dean in the 11th over. Sune Luus struggled to get going as well. She lost her wicket to Lauren Bell in the 14th over. In the next over, Tazmin reached her fifty from 44 balls. She lost her wicket immediately to Charlie. Chloe Tryon and Nadine couldn't revive the run chase. South Africa ended up posting 129/8, losing the match by 40 runs.

This is the fifth time England have qualified for the T20 World Cup final.