England Women edge out South Africa Women in a thriller in T20I opener

South Africa women (SA-W) and England women (ENG-W) kicked off their multi-format series with the first T20I. Both sides locked horns at Buffalo Park, in East London, for the first game on Sunday, November 24. The clash began with the 'Rainbow Nation' coming in to bat first after losing the toss. 

The hosts opened their innings with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits scoring 22 and 15 runs, respectively. Anneke Bosch departed after scoring 18 runs, with Sune Luus walking back to the pavilion for a duck. South Africa Women found themselves in a precarious position as the top order failed to go big. 

Annerie Dercksen stayed unbeaten on a score of 26 runs off 29 deliveries. Nondumiso Shangase added 16 runs on the board, with Nadine de Klerk scoring an unbeaten 29* runs, as South African women posted a total of 142 runs in the first innings of the game. 

Among the notable bowling performances for England women, Charlie Dean was the highest wicket-taker with two wickets to her name. Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Freya Kemp took one wicket each as well. Aiming to chase down a target of 143 runs, England women opened their innings with Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Maia Bouchier scoring 11 and 20 runs, respectively. Sophia Dunkley was dismissed cheaply on a score of four runs as well.

Nat Sciver-Brunt played a match-winning knock for England Women

Initially, the visitors looked to be in trouble, but the knock of Nat Sciver-Brunt proved to be a lifeline for the side. Sciver-Brunt scored 59 runs off 54 deliveries. Furthermore, Amy Jones added 31 runs on the board as England chased down the target in 19.2 overs and won the game by four wickets. Gaining the advantage in the series, England women will hope for another good showing in the second T20i of the series as well.

Also Check: South Africa Women vs England Women 2024 Schedule

As for South African bowlers, Eliz-Mari Marx was the highest wicket-taker with three wickets to her name. Nadine de Klerk took two wickets with Nondumiso Shangase striking once as well. Moving ahead, both teams will now clash on Wednesday, November 27, in Benoni, where the hosts will look for a series equalizer while the English women will hope to continue their winning momentum in the T20I series.