South Africa hold nerve for win over England at women’s T20 World Cup

South Africa’s batters held their nerve to deliver a surprise six-wicket victory over England at the women’s T20 World Cup in Perth.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Mignon du Preez of South Africa and Sune Luus of South Africa celebrate after scoring the winning runs during the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between England and South Africa at the WACA on February 23, 2020 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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Mignon du Preez has displayed nerves of steel to inspire South Africa to an upset six-wicket victory over England in a thrilling T20 World Cup clash at the WACA Ground.

In reply to England’s sub-par 8-123, South Africa needed 21 off the last 13 balls to snatch victory in Sunday’s match.

Du Preez was dropped on two, and she made the most of the chance in her 100th T20 international.

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Mignon du Preez and Sune Luus of South Africa celebrate winning the ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup match between England and South Africa at the WACA. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

With South Africa needing seven runs off the last four balls, du Preez thumped Katherine Brunt for a six to level the scores.

She scored a four next ball to secure the win with two balls to spare. Du Preez finished unbeaten on 18 off 11 balls, with her match-winning shot sparking wild celebrations.

Dane van Niekerk (46 off 51 balls) and Marizanne Kapp (38 off 33) played crucial roles in setting up South Africa’s innings.

South Africa are ranked sixth in T20 cricket, but their win over world No.2 England has given them an excellent chance to make it past the group stage. It was also sweet revenge for South Africa, who lost to England in the semi- final of the 2017 one-day World Cup.

Sophie Ecclestone of England reacts after being hit over the rope. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

“We kind of had a monkey on our back - it’s now done and dusted,” du Preez said of turning the tables on England.

“We said this year we want to go one step further than the semi-finals and take the World Cup trophy home.”

England will probably have to win their remaining three group games - against Thailand, West Indies, and Pakistan - in order to reach the semi-finals. “It puts the pressure on, doesn’t it,” England batter Natalie Sciver said. “In terms of our team, a bit of pressure will hopefully see the best of us.

Chloe Tryon of South Africa is bowled by Sophie Ecclestone of England. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Wainwright

“Hopefully we can go out there and play positively and play with freedom.

“I know the first game you sometimes have a few nerves around. I was nervous since two days ago watching the first game. Nerves can be good, but they can also be bad sometimes.” England were crawling along at 4-75 after 15 overs before plundering 48 runs from the last five overs.

Sciver held the innings together with 50 off 41 balls, while opener Amy Jones chipped in with 23.

South Africa scored just six runs from their first 3.5 overs, but fine knocks from van Niekerk and Kapp kept them in it.

Du Preez then provided the finishing touch, joking that she even wanted to give the ball a blow to ensure it went over for a six.

Originally published as South Africa hold nerve for win over England at women’s T20 World Cup