The England women's cricket team secured a place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final with a commanding 40-run victory over the South Africa women's cricket team in the second semi-final at The Oval.
After a disastrous start that left England struggling at 23/3, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and former skipper Heather Knight rescued the innings with a magnificent 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Sciver-Brunt, returning from a calf injury, led from the front with a superb 75 off 47 balls, while Knight contributed a composed 58 from 47 deliveries. Their partnership helped England recover to a competitive total of 169/5.
In reply, South Africa never truly recovered after losing key wickets at regular intervals. Tazmin Brits fought with a half-century, but England's disciplined bowling attack kept the Proteas under pressure throughout the chase, restricting them to 129/8. The comprehensive victory sent England into their first Women's T20 World Cup final since 2018.
England will now face defending champions Australia women's cricket team in a blockbuster final at Lord's, with the hosts aiming to lift their first Women's T20 World Cup title since 2009