England Women outclassed South Africa Women by 40 runs in the 2nd semifinal of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at the Oval. Nat Sciver-Brunt marked her return from injury with a brilliant 75, while former captain Heather Knight added a composed 58. Together, they rescued England from early trouble and guided the hosts to a match-winning total. England will now face Australia in Sunday's final at Lord's.

Sciver-Brunt and Knight Rescue England After Early Collapse

England suffered a nightmare start after South Africa's pace attack ripped through the top order. The hosts slipped to 23 for 3 during the powerplay after losing Amy Jones, Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Alice Capsey. However, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight steadied the innings with a remarkable fourth-wicket partnership.

The pair added 133 runs from just 90 balls. It became the highest partnership for any wicket in a Women's T20 World Cup semi-final and the second-highest stand of this year's tournament. Their partnership completely changed the momentum of the match.

Nat Sciver-Brunt Shines on Injury Return

Sciver-Brunt returned after missing three matches because of a recurring calf injury. She showed no signs of discomfort and immediately took control of England's innings. The all-rounder scored 75 from only 47 balls. She struck 11 boundaries and smashed a huge six over deep midwicket.

She also ran aggressively between the wickets throughout her innings. Her knock justified England's decision to bring her back into the starting XI.

Heather Knight Plays the Perfect Supporting Role

Heather Knight matched Sciver-Brunt with a calm and confident innings. She punished loose deliveries and rotated the strike well throughout the partnership. Knight attacked Nonkululeko Mlaba by stepping down the pitch and driving over cover before hitting Shabnim Ismail straight down the ground.

Later, she reached her half-century with a powerful slog-sweep for six off Ayabonga Khaka. Knight scored 58 from 47 balls before departing late in the innings.

South Africa's Fast Bowlers Dominate Early

South Africa made the perfect start with the ball. Shabnim Ismail became the first woman to claim 50 wickets in Women's T20 World Cup history when she dismissed Amy Jones with the very first ball she bowled.

Jones edged the short delivery straight to cover point. Soon after, Marizanne Kapp produced one of the deliveries of the tournament. She beat Danni Wyatt-Hodge's defence and shattered her off stump, removing England's leading run-scorer.

Ismail then trapped Alice Capsey lbw. Although replays suggested Capsey had edged the ball, she did not review the decision. Kapp finished with outstanding figures of 1 for 16 from four overs, while Ismail claimed 2 for 31.

England Recover to Post 169 for 5

After surviving the early collapse, England steadily rebuilt their innings. Sciver-Brunt attacked the boundary regularly, especially through fine leg, while Knight kept the scoreboard moving.

The experienced pair frustrated South Africa's bowlers and lifted England to 169 for 5. Although Mlaba dismissed both batters within three deliveries late in the innings, England had already posted a challenging total.

England Bowlers Keep South Africa Under Pressure

South Africa never built the momentum needed during the chase. Captain Laura Wolvaardt struggled to find her rhythm and scored only 13. Soon after, Linsey Smith tempted her into an attacking shot.

Wolvaardt charged down the pitch but failed to clear mid-on. Sophie Ecclestone produced a brilliant overhead catch to give England an important breakthrough.

At the end of the powerplay, South Africa already needed nine runs per over. The required rate continued to climb as England's bowlers maintained tight control. Eventually, South Africa finished on 129 for 8, falling 40 runs short.

Brief Scorecard