Nat Sciver-Brunt lands first blow as England seal series opener
Punchy partnership with Jones breaks back of stiff 143-run chase at Buffalo Park
Punchy partnership with Jones breaks back of stiff 143-run chase at Buffalo Park
Scorer: Chetan Kumar | Commentator: Andrew Miller
5.22pm So, that's a wrap from Buffalo Park. England are up and running in their multi-format series. From Miller, Valkerie, Firdose, Chetan and the team, see you next time!
Time for the presentations:
The Player of the Match is Nat Sciver-Brunt: "The openers had got us off to a good start, up with the rate, it got slower and lower but partnership with Amy broke the back of the chase. Whoever comes out in that situation, the idea is to get to know everyone. Hitting to the leg-side, not allowing [Wolvaardt] to hit to the off-side was the plan.
Laura Wolvaardt: "Came out with good intent, 150 would have been a good total. Good momentum going into the second innings but couldn't defend it. Showing intent early on in the powerplay. In the World Cup we didn't use our depth. Brings a bit more risk, but nice that we bat deep. We were very good for a lot of that bowling innings, frustrating... tough to lose. A lot of positives, but let it slip in one or two pressure moments."
Heather Knight: "I probably should have batted, it did get worse. We wrestled momentum at the back end of the powerplay with wickets, and Charlie and Soph were excellent. A little scrappy, pleased to get the win, but room for growth. Our spinners all bring different things, on and off the field. Soph was on the money, so hard to play when she bowls like that. A lot of different options, they are a fundamental part of our gameplan. The smartness of Nat's innings, and Amy's momentum-shift, took the game back in our favour. Nat is awesome, calm head under pressure. Nice to start with a win, now to try to win the series as we go back to Joburg."
Hypocaust: "This is the most runs England women have scored after the fall of the 4th wicket to win a T20I run chase (78). Their previous record was 64, in going from 54/4 to chase a target of 118 against New Zealand at Bath in 2007."
5.07pm They were made to work for it, but Nat Sciver-Brunt's superb half-century, allied to Amy Jones' timely injection of power, broke the back of a stiff chase. The World Cup finalists have been felled in the series opener.
Sonny: "NSB is quite possibly the most clutch player England have ever had, male or female. Stokes for me is a close second. She's probably the best woman's cricketer we've ever produced"
Nat Sciver-Brunt c Mlaba b Marx 59 (60m 54b 7x4 0x6) SR: 109.25
In fact, it is scores level as the umpire decided it wasn't a wide... is there a twist?
Punchy partnership with Jones breaks back of stiff 143-run chase at Buffalo Park
Captain backs team to bounce back in stiff multi-format challenge against South Africa