Mignon du Preez holds nerve in 100th T20I to seal thriller for South Africa
Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp enjoyed fine all-round performances as England struggled with the bat
Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp enjoyed fine all-round performances as England struggled with the bat
Scorer: @Thilak_Rama | Commentator: Valkerie Baynes
10.00pmWell, we avoided the Super Over, which is becoming quite fashionable these days. South Africa secure the upset, only their third win against England in the past 11 T20Is between these two sides. Mignon du Preez, the first South African woman to play 100 T20 internationals with her appearance in this match, struck the winning runs, a six followed by a single off Katherine Brunt in the final over to bring it home.
Du Preez speaking to Sky Sports: "I've played in all seven World Cups and we've never come this close. We've said we want to do something special and this is just the start."
Player of the match Dane van Niekerk with 46 runs off 51 balls and two wickets: "I'm really proud. Honestly, it was a team performance today."
What a start to this tournament. India toppling the hosts and favourites, Australia, in the opening match and South Africa securing their maiden win over England at a Women's T20 World Cup. England, the No. 2 side in the world, didn't manage to get enough runs on the board in their innings and then failed to capitalise on the early dismissal of Lizelle Lee which had South Africa 1 for 6 in the third over. They had 90 runs on the board by the time Marizanne Kapp was the next wicket to fall and, while van Niekerk didn't score rapidly early on, she top scored for her side before the experienced du Preez held her nerve to get them over the line.
England captain Heather Knight: "We obviously have to pick ourselves up quite quickly from this defeat. Every game is going to be a massive game for us now. We'll assess this game, try and park it very quickly and move on."
Thanks so much for joining us, everyone. From Gnasher, Thilak and myself, we thoroughly enjoyed your company and look forward the next one.
SA need just one run off three balls...
Oh, Brunt pulls up before hitting her delivery stride, a little warning to Sune Luus as she backs up for the run early
The experience of Katherine Brunt comes to the fore to see out this final over. SA need nine off six balls...
CL Tryon b Ecclestone 12 (12b 1x4 1x6) SR: 100.00
Fantasy team tips for the Women's T20 World Cup game between England and South Africa
Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp enjoyed fine all-round performances as England struggled with the bat
Matchwinner Mignon du Preez says England win gives South Africa belief they can go all the way
"We've had massive preparations, we've played really good cricket and we've been learning along the way as well"