England Women completed a commanding 3-0 clean sweep in their three-match T20 series against South Africa with a nine-wicket victory in Centurion. Chasing a modest target of 125, England reached the total with 51 balls to spare, thanks to an explosive 53 not out from opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge and an unbeaten 24 from Sophia Dunkley.
Wyatt-Hodge’s rapid 53 came off just 31 balls, marking her second consecutive T20 half-century, as she launched a fierce attack on South Africa’s depleted bowling attack. The hosts also struggled in the field, dropping five catches.
England’s only wicket to fall was Maia Bouchier, who was brilliantly caught by Nondumiso Shangase for 35 off 21 balls, after a dominant opening partnership of 56 runs in 5.4 overs.
South Africa, missing captain Laura Wolvaardt due to illness, found themselves in deep trouble at 45-5. However, all-rounders Nadine de Klerk and Shangase mounted a fightback with a 52-run stand, helping the hosts reach 124/9 in their 20 overs. England’s Charlie Dean led the bowling attack with 3-26 and a run-out.
After England captain Heather Knight opted to bowl first, seamers Lauren Filer and Lauren Bell quickly exposed South Africa’s weakened lineup by dismissing openers Anneke Bosch and Faye Tunnicliffe within the first two overs. Annerie Dercksen and Sune Luus both failed to capitalize on promising starts before stand-in captain Chloe Tryon fell cheaply for just one. Shangase and de Klerk’s rescue effort was the highlight of South Africa’s innings.
England’s dominance continued throughout the series, and they now look ahead to three one-day internationals, starting on Wednesday in Kimberley.
Player of the Match, England’s Charlie Dean, said, “I’m starting to come into my own and feel more confident in the powerplay. If I can keep taking wickets and doing what I do best, it will help us get the win.”
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South Africa’s stand-in captain Chloe Tryon admitted, “We were outplayed. They’ve had an excellent series, and we didn’t play our best. It’s hard to find energy when you’re two-nil down, but we’ll try to get some momentum in the ODI series.”
England’s Knight reflected, “It’s really pleasing to have that dominant performance, especially after the World Cup. We challenged the girls to be free, and they’ve done that, particularly with the batting. We’ve taken the learnings and have clarity moving forward. We’ve been dominant and improved in each facet, which has been really pleasing.”
