Brits steers South Africa into Women’s T20 World Cup final

CAPE TOWN :Tazmin Brits propelled South Africa to an upset six-run win over England on Friday, top scoring and taking four catches at Newlands as the hosts booked their place against Australia in Sunday’s Women’s Twenty20 World Cup final.

South Africa, who won the toss and elected to bat, set an imposing target of 164-4, with Brits scoring 68, and then held on in an exciting finish as England fell short with 158-8 from their 20 overs.

Brits took important catches, including a spectacular one-handed diving effort, while seamer Ayabonga Khaka claimed three wickets in the 18th over to put the brakes on England’s chase. Khaka finished with figures of 4-29.

It is the first time that South Africa have reached the final, where they face the defending champions at Newlands.

“We had to be brave and be free in our approach and we are proud of our achievement,” said captain Sune Luus in the post match celebrations.

“It’s a massive result, every game we play we keep making history and hopefully this is a turning point for women’s sport in South Africa,” she added.

The game ended in a nail-biting spectacle but started off tepidly as England restricted South Africa’s openers to just three scoring shots in the first 20 balls faced, before Laura Wolvaardt and Brits began to breach the field and accumulate runs.

They eventually put on 96 for the opening partnership before Wolvaardt played a leading edge and looped the ball up to be caught by Charlie Dean off Sophie Ecclestone for 53 runs.

Brits was backed up by an unbeaten 27 off 13 balls from veteran Marizanne Kapp as South Africa posted a defendable target while Ecclestone was England’s best bowler with 3-22.

In response, England got off to a blistering start with 53 runs in their first five