South Africa batted first at Kingsmead but struggled, being dismissed for just 135 runs in 31.3 overs. Chloe Tryon top-scored for the Proteas with 45 off 49 balls, while captain Laura Wolvaardt contributed 35 off 50 balls. Annerie Dercksen continued her solid form with 29 runs, but no other batter managed to score more than six.

Chloe Tryon. Photo: CSA

England’s bowling attack was led by Charlie Dean, who was the standout performer with 4/45 in 10 overs, including a hat-trick that removed Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, and Sinalo Jafta in consecutive deliveries. Sophie Ecclestone also shone with the ball, taking 3/27 in 7.3 overs, while Lauren Filer supported with 3/32 in six overs.

In response, England’s opening pair of Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier laid a solid foundation, putting on 69 runs for the first wicket. Bouchier was dismissed for 33, caught by Tazmin Brits off the bowling of Dercksen. Beaumont followed shortly after, dismissed for 34 when she was caught behind by Jafta off Dercksen’s bowling.

Turns out Charlie Dean had no idea she had taken her hat-trick until walking off ?? pic.twitter.com/TFtdbk8NNV

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 8, 2024

Despite a brief wobble, with Heather Knight scoring only 7, Danni Wyatt-Hodge 25* and Nat Sciver-Brunt 20 saw England home, chasing down the modest target in just 24 overs to level the series.

Dercksen was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/22 from 4 overs, while Kapp and De Klerk each claimed one wicket.

The series decider will take place on Wednesday at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, with the match scheduled to start at 14:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg