Cricket
Proteas into historic T20 World Cup final─── MORGAN PIEK 18:28 Fri, 24 Feb 2023
The Proteas are into the final of the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup with a thrilling 6-run win over England in the second semi-final at Newlands in Cape Town.
The Proteas who went into the game as the underdogs stunned the worlds second ranked team for their best game of the World Cup to date.
The Proteas become the first national side ever to make a final of an ICC event on South African soil.
South Africa scored 164/4 in their 20 overs thanks to an opening stand of 96-runs between Tazmin Brits with 68-runs and Laura Wolvaardt with 53-runs.
For England, the world’s top-ranked bowler, Sophie Ecclestone, with 3/22 in 4 overs.
England had a fast start to the run-chase with an opening stand of 53 between Danni Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley put the South African bowlers under pressure.
But, four catches by Brits and a brilliant 18th over by Ayabonga Khaka swung the game in South Africa's favour.
The English needed 13-runs off the final over, but star-seamer Shabnim Ismail, wrapped up the game for the Proteas with 6-runs to spare.
South Africa will face the reigning world champions, Australia, on Sunday in the final.
The championship game at Newlands gets underway at 15:00 on Sunday.
Morgan Piek OFM Sport
