Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered a commanding batting performance to guide England to a four-wicket victory over the Proteas Women in the first T20 International (T20I) at Buffalo Park Stadium on Sunday. The win gave England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Despite a career-best performance from the Proteas’ Eliz-Mari Marx, who claimed figures of 3/19, Player of the Match Sciver-Brunt anchored England’s successful chase of South Africa’s 142/5 with a superb 59 off 54 balls, featuring seven boundaries.
After being sent into bat, South African openers Laura Wolvaardt (22) and Tazmin Brits laid a steady foundation. Wolvaardt was the first to depart, bowled by Charlie Dean (2/21), as South Africa reached 38/1 at the end of the PowerPlay.
England struck again soon after, with Brits (15) stumped off the bowling of Sophie Ecclestone (1/18). Anneke Bosch contributed a brief but impactful 18 off 12 balls before Freya Kemp (1/15) disturbed her stumps with an inside edge.
Suné Luus was dismissed without scoring, becoming Dean’s second victim, leaving the Proteas in a precarious position.
Annerie Dercksen (26*) and Nondumiso Shangase (16) stabilised the innings with a valuable 36-run partnership for the fifth wicket. After Shangase fell to Sarah Glenn (1/23), Nadine de Klerk (29*) joined Dercksen, adding a crucial 42-run stand for the sixth wicket to lift South Africa to 142/5 after 20 overs.
Defending 143, the Proteas made a strong start with the ball. De Klerk (2/20) and Marx dismissed Danni Wyatt-Hodge (11) and Maia Bouchier (20) respectively, leaving England at 42/2 after six overs.
South Africa’s bowlers continued to apply pressure, with De Klerk removing Sophia Dunkley (4) thanks to a sharp catch by Sinalo Jafta. Marx then claimed the prized wicket of England skipper Heather Knight (1), reducing the visitors to 65/4 in the 11th over.
Needing 73 runs from 54 balls, Sciver-Brunt took charge, forming a pivotal 50-run partnership with Amy Jones (31). The pair attacked the South African bowlers, bringing England to 108/4 after 15 overs.
Although Shangase dismissed Jones, Sciver-Brunt maintained her dominance, ably supported by Kemp (5). She reached her 15th T20I half-century and took England to the brink of victory before falling in the final over with the scores level. Marx claimed her third wicket but England sealed the win on the next delivery.
The series continues on Wednesday with the second T20I scheduled to begin at 6pm SAST at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
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