South Africa’s women’s cricket team, the Proteas, were eliminated from the T20 World Cup after a 40-run defeat to England in the semi-final at The Oval.

Chasing a target of 170, South Africa struggled throughout their innings and were eventually restricted to 129/8, as their batting unit once again failed to deliver under pressure.

Despite a promising start with the ball, led by Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, who reduced England to 23/3 in the power play, the Proteas could not sustain their early advantage.

England’s experienced pair of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight turned the match around with a dominant 133-run partnership that shifted momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour.Sciver-Brunt scored a fluent 75 while Knight contributed a solid 58, helping England recover from their early collapse and set a competitive total.In response, South Africa’s batting lineup faltered again, continuing a pattern seen earlier in the tournament against Australia and Pakistan.Captain Laura Wolvaardt struggled for form and managed only 17 runs before falling to a well-judged catch after attempting an aggressive shot.Tazmin Brits top-scored with 51, but her innings was slow and filled with dot balls, which increased pressure on the middle and lower order.Once she was dismissed, the rest of the batting order collapsed with little resistance.The report highlights ongoing concerns about South Africa’s inability to build partnerships and maintain scoring momentum in key matches.

Despite individual talent and strong performances with the ball, their inconsistent batting ultimately cost them a place in the final, while England advanced to face Australia at Lord’s.