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Hmmm... Group of Death strikes! England have been defeated by South Africa. This group is so close that as Heather Knight pointed out, one loss could make every game a knockout. Monday is back to Group A, which sees a double header. Bruised Australia take on a confident Sri Lanka while the India-Bangladesh match follows after that. The action starts at 3 pm local (0700 GMT). Join us on 24th February, 2020. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Victorious South African skipper, Dane van Niekerk says that she is not a great watcher when the game goes that tense but says that her heartbeat is normal now. On fielding in this game, Dane says that in New Zealand, in their previous series, it was very ordinary and they realized that it is one department which needs to improve. Is proud that the plans and tactics came out beautifully here. Stresses that it is one thing to plan but another to execute it. Praises the fast bowlers for stepping up and setting the tone. Feels proud to be able to play against a quality side like England and wishes them all the best for the upcoming games. Is filled with more pride in being a part of du Preez' 100th game and believes that no one deserves more. Just wants to make every South African fan proud back home.

England captain, Heather Knight, feels that they started well with the bat but the middle overs cost them, where they faced quite a lot of dot balls. Reckons that they finished well, praising the cameos. Believes that it was a good score on that wicket. Is really pleased to have Natalie Sciver back in the squad, taking responsibility of the batting and bowling line-ups. On thoughts about defending the total at the halfway stage, Knight says they had to believe they could win and the bowlers bowled outstandingly but perhaps the runs scored were not enough. On their next game being in Canberra, Heather hopes that it brings in a change in luck as every game now becomes a must-win for them.

DANE VAN NIEKERK has been named the Player Of The Match. Says that she was nervous coming up against England as she regards them as very good players of spin. Credits all the other bowlers for the support and puts it as a team performance. On the WACA pitch for a spinner, Dane says that she does not depend on bounce and only tries to be accurate and restrict runs as much as possible. On the batting, she says that she just tried to hang in there and take the game as deep as possible.

Mignon du Preez becomes the first South African woman to feature in 100 T20Is, so she is called for a chat. Says that there was too much pressure and she was nervous but is feeling lucky that she could take her team home. Regards this as a special win as they have never reached too far in a World Cup.

Cannot really blame a bowling unit if it is defending 'just' 123 but even that was made look like defendable. Every bowler was economical, not giving much away but the last 3 overs made England wilt under pressure. And South Africa capitalized. Sophie Ecclestone was the pick of the bowlers with 2/19 in 4 overs.

South Africa were well placed at 90/1, needing 34 from 28 balls but then, they lost both set batsmen in the span of 5 balls, without a run being added. Pressure. Tremors. 34 still needed, but the balls remaining gone down to 23 now. That is where England exhibited signs of a brilliant comeback, bowling excellently at the death - but Tryon and du Preez just about woke up in time to get some boundaries and take the team over the line.

The Women In Green approached the game with good planning. They lost Lizelle Lee early but the partnership of 84 between Marizanne Kapp and skipper Dane van Niekerk set up a platform for the win. They started confidently and stayed abreast with the running rate. But can there be any game involving South Africa which does not have a choke? So, then came one along.

It all started with the ball. Is this really Australia where the tournament is being held? We have seen 4 matches now and in every game, the pitches have been dead slow. England struggled to get going with the bat and limped to 123, that too, thanks largely to Natalie Sciver's 50. That set the platform for a South African win because the required rate was just over 6.

Game 1 sees a shocker. Game 4 too, sees a shocker. On Friday, the defending champions and the favourites get stunned. On Sunday, their arch rivals, the 2018 finalists and the second favourites for the tournament are shocked! Well done, South Africa. England were the favourites entering this game but their counterparts have displayed better nerves.

19.4

4

FOUR! SA WIN BY 6 WICKETS! A full toss, on middle, de Preez pulls it over mid-wicket! The South African dugout is all smiles!

19.3

6

SIX! Whoa! Mignon, you beauty! What a shot under pressure. With 7 needed from 4 balls, Brunt bowls a slower one on middle. Du Preez spots it and slogs it over mid-wicket! The scores are level!

19.2

1

Outside off, pushed through point for a run.

19.1

1

Full and down the leg side, du Preez looks to swing but gets a thick inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls towards point and a single is taken.

18.6

W

OUT! BOWLED! More drama. Full and straight, Tryon swings hard, only to miss. The stumps are shattered! 9 needed from the final over. Sune Luus is the new batter in.

18.5

.

STUMPING CHANCE MISSED! Nerves, nerves. First, Tryon comes down the track and seeing that the bowler slows down the pace. The batter swings but misses. An easy stumping is on offer but Amy Jones misses it! Fumbles the ball.

18.4

6

SIX! That is an amazing shot. Full and outside off, Tyron gets down and slog sweeps it over backward square leg!

18.3

1

Du Preez comes down the track and pushes it to long on for a single.

18.2

1

Full and outside off, Tyron comes down the track and drags this off a top edge towards deep mid-wicket. Du Preez was back for the second but Tyron was not in the mood for it.

18.1

2lb

NOT OUT! Missing the leg stump. Full delivery down the leg side, Tryon looks to flick but misses. She gets hit on the pads and the England players appeal. The umpire does not agree. They take the review. The Ultra Edge rolls in and it shows that there is no bat on it. The Ball Tracker then shows that it is missing the leg stump. Waste of a review. The fielder throws it to the bowler's end but misses. The ball goes towards the mid off region allowing the batters to take a couple.

An appeal for LBW has been taken upstairs. Chloe Tryon is the batter in question. It looks like it miss the stumps. Let's see what transpires.

17.6

2

Full on middle, du Preez heaves it away towards the square leg region and picks up a couple. Good over for South Africa.

17.5

2

Just short! Shortish in length on middle, du Preez pulls it but does not time it well. Winfield comes ahead but the ball falls short. A couple taken.

17.4

1

Full toss on middle, Tryon pushes it down to long on for a single.

17.3

4

TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Short ball on off, Tryon looks to pull but takes the top edge and goes over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

17.2

1

Short ball on middle, du Preez looks to pull but it takes the top edge and land short of the deep square leg region. A single.

17.1

4b

FOUR BYES! Good length ball on the pads, du Preez looks to heave it away but misses. The keeper fails to collect it and the ball races to the fence.

Natalie Sciver is back on. 3-0-17-0 are her figures so far.

16.6

.

Floated around off, it is pushed towards the off side. Another excellent over for England. They are pulling things back really well. 33 needed in the last 3 overs.

16.5

.

Full and around off, Tryon skip down the track and looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal but not out says the umpire.

16.4

1

Loopy ball around off, de Preez pushes it towards mid of for a run.

16.3

.

Full and outside off, de Preeze firmly sweeps it but finds short fine leg.

16.2

.

Floated around off, it is defended.

Mignon du Preez is in now!

16.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Yes, she can! Both the set batters depart now. Short and outside off, Van Niekerk looks to cut but ends up doing it straight to Beaumont who lunges forward and pouches it well. This is a huge, huge wicket. Two new batters in the crease now. An excellent hand from the South African skipper comes to an end.

Bowling change! Sophie Ecclestone is back on! Can she strike too?

15.6

.

Loopy ball around off, Tryon pushes it back to the bowler. Excellent over comes to an end.

15.5

.

Fuller and just outside off, Tryon drives it firmly but straight to the cover fielder.

15.4

.

Flatter and just outside off, pushed towards point.

Chloe Tryon walks in next. She can use the long handle well.

15.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Glenn provides the breakthrough. Heather Knight is pumped. Bowls it slower through the air and lands it full on middle, Kapp looks to drive but ends up chipping it back to the bowler. A straightforward catch for Glenn, she is not going to miss out.

15.2

1

Short ball on middle, Dane pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

15.1

4

FOUR! Flighted ball outside off, Van Niekerk lifts it towards the extra cover region for a boundary.

14.6

1

On the pads, worked behind square leg for a run. 11 from the over, an excellent over for South Africa.

14.5

6

SIX! There's the release shot from the captain. Length ball around off, Van Niekerk moves inside the crease and slams it over the deep square for a biggie.

14.4

1

Landed around off on a length, Kapp works it behind square leg for a run.

14.3

1

In the air... but safe! Short ball around middle, Van Niekerk goes to heave it over deep mid-wicket but mistimes it. It balloons high in the air but lands well in front of charging deep mid-wicket fielder. A run taken.

14.2

1

Length ball around off, this time Kapp strokes it to long on for a run.

14.1

1

Shortish and around middle, pushed towards mid-wicket for a run.

Anya Shrubsole is back on. 3-0-15-1 are her figures so far.

13.6

1

Misfield and a run! Length ball around off, Van Niekerk pushes it back to the bowler but Sciver is late in getting down and ends up giving a run.

13.5

.

Full and around off, pushed to covers.

13.4

1

Full ball around off and middle, it is stroked to long on for a run.

13.3

1

Good length ball on middle, Van Niekerk flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

13.2

1

Well fielded! Short ball on middle, Kapp pulls it to deep square leg where the fielder comes across and makes a good diving stop. Only a single.

13.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Kapp drives it to mid on.

Natalie Sciver returns. 2-0-13-0 are her numbers so far.

12.6

1

On middle, driven to long on for a single.

12.5

1

Full delivery on the pads, Van Niekerk works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

12.4

.

Length ball on middle, Dane flicks it to mid-wicket.

12.3

1

Short ball on off, Kapp pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

12.2

1

Short delivery outside off, Van Niekerk comes down the pitch and punches it to cover for a single.

12.1

.

Good length ball on the pads, Van Niekerk looks to flick but it goes onto hit the pads.

Katherine Brunt is back on. 2-0-7-0 so far.

11.6

1

Loopy one on middle, Kapp sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a single.

11.5

1

A flat delivery on the pads, Kapp flicks it to the leg side for a single.

11.4

1

Full delivery on middle, Dane drives it to long on and crosses over for a single.

11.3

.

Full on off, Van Niekerk pushes it to cover.

11.2

1

Floated on middle, driven to long on for a single.

11.1

4

FOUR! With the fielders up, there was always a boundary for the taking! Short ball outside off, Kapp cuts it through the backward point region for a boundary.

10.6

1

Full delivery on the pads, Kapp flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

10.5

.

Tossed up ball on off, Kapp defends it to the cover region.

10.4

.

On off, pushed to point.

10.3

1

Flatter one on middle, Dane flicks it to the leg side for a single.

10.2

1

Loopy one on off, Kapp drives it to long off for a single. 50-run stand is up. The duo need to continue the good work and take the side home.

10.1

1

Flighted ball on middle, Van Niekerk sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

Sophie Ecclestone is back on! 1-0-6-0 from her.

9.6

4

FOUR! Excellent finish to the over! Short and just outside off, Kapp slaps it towards cover-point where Brunt dives over the ball and it races away to the fence. 70 more needed in the final 10 overs.

9.5

1

Short and on middle, it is pulled to deep mid-wicket for a run by Van Niekerk. 50 up for South Africa.

9.4

.

On off, it is defended.

9.3

1

Flatter one on middle, Kapp works it towards long for a run.

9.2

1

Full and on off, this time she strokes it to long on for an easy run.

9.1

.

Full and around off, Van Niekerk finds mid off to her drive.

8.6

1

Length ball angled into the batter, Van Niekerk works it towards square leg with soft hands and takes a run.

8.5

1

Landed on middle on a length, Kapp works it towards mid-wicket and takes a run as the keeper chases it down.

8.4

1

On the pads on a length, Van Niekerk tucks it fine down the leg side for a run.

8.4

1wd

WIDE! Called for height as Sciver bangs this one on a back of a length and outside off, Van Niekerk lets it be as it is beyond her reach. Wided by the square leg umpire.

8.3

.

On middle, it is worked towards the leg side.

8.2

1

Bouncer on middle, Kapp goes for the pull but mistimes it behind square on the leg side. A run taken.

8.1

4

FOUR! Excellent batting. She knows where the fielders are. Sciver bowls a fuller ball around off and middle, Kapp launches it over mid on to bag a boundary.

Natalie Sciver is back into the attack! 1-0-4-0 are her figures so far.

7.6

2

Shortish and around middle, Van Niekerk pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

7.5

1

On the stumps line, tucked behind square leg for a run.

7.4

.

Floated on off, Kapp comes forward and defends it out.

7.3

1

On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a run.

7.2

2

A couple now! Full and around off, Van Niekerk lofts it over extra cover and scampers back for the second before the long off fielder can cut it off.

7.1

.

Shortish and around middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Bowling change! Sarah Glenn into the attack.

6.6

.

Bowls it full and around off, worked towards mid-wicket. 26/1 after the Powerplay! Need more 98 runs.

6.5

4

FOUR! Deft from Kapp now! Quicker, shorter one, it is just outside off. Kapp waits for the ball and at the last moment runs it down to the third man fence.

6.4

.

Full and on middle, Kapp finds mid-wicket.

6.3

1

Quicker one on the pads, worked to deep mid-wicket for a run by Van Niekerk.

6.3

1wd

WIDE! Drifts down the leg side. Van Niekerk tries flicking but misses. Wided.

6.2

.

Flatter and around off, Van Niekerk pushes it back to the bowler.

6.1

.

Floated full ball around off, pushed to covers.

Sophie Ecclestone to bowl now.

5.6

4

FOUR! Nailed it! That was timed brilliantly. Short and outside off, Kapp rides the bounce and punches it with hard hands. She finds the gap and the ball races away to the deep point fence.

5.5

1

On the pads this time, Van Niekerk tucks it towards fine leg for a run.

5.4

.

Another short ball, this is outside off, Van Niekerk fends it towards point.

5.3

.

Shortish and around middle, Van Niekerk hops and keeps it out.

5.2

.

Length ball on off, Dane comes down the track and defends it to mid off.

5.1

.

Fullish on middle, Van Niekerk pushes it to mid on for a dot.

Katherine Brunt is back on. 1-0-2-0 from her so far.

4.6

.

Length ball on off, Kapp pushes it to mid off.

4.5

1

Good length ball on middle, Dane flicks it to the deep square leg region for a single.

4.4

4

FOUR! Swept away nicely! Fullish on off, Van Niekerk moves to the off side and sweeps it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

4.3

.

On off, pushed to point.

4.2

.

Good length ball on middle, Van Niekerk defends it out.

4.1

6

SIX! CLOBBERED! This is one heck of a shot! What a strike from the South African captain. This is should release some pressure. A length ball angled into the batter, Van Niekerk picks it early and launches it over wide long on for a massive six.

3.6

4

DROPPED AND FOUR! Difficult chance though! Full on middle, Kapp looks to go over long on but does not time it well. Winfield runs behind but gets only fingertips on it. The ball races to the long on fence. Off the mark off the 6th ball.

3.5

.

Length ball on off, Kapp defends it to cover.

3.4

.

Full on middle, Kapp pushes it to mid on.

3.3

.

On a length on off, Kapp blocks it back to the bowler.

3.2

.

Length ball on off, Kapp plays it to the off side.

3.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Kapp defends it back to the bowler.

Natalie Sciver is on now.

2.6

.

Good length ball outside off, Van Niekerk leaves the ball alone. Only 1 run and a wicket from it.

2.5

.

Full on middle, Van Niekerk defends it back to the bowler.

2.4

.

Good length ball on off, Van Niekerk punches it to cover.

Marizanne Kapp is in at 3.

2.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Just the start that England needed. They are delighted and why wouldn't they be! Full delivery on off, Lee looks to go over mid on but does not the timing that she wanted. Winfield stationed at mid on takes the simplest of catches and Lee has to make the long walk back to the pavilion.

2.2

.

On a length on off, Lee punches it to point.

2.1

1

Top edge but safe! Good length ball on off, Van Niekerk looks to heave it away with her eyes closed but it takes the top edge and goes towards third man. A single.

1.6

.

An appeal for LBW turned down! Full delivery on the pads, Lee looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal is made but the umpire shakes his head.

1.5

.

BEATEN! Nicely bowled! Good length ball outside off, Lee looks to defend but fails to get any bat on it.

1.4

1

Good length ball on off, Van Niekerk guides it to third man for a single.

1.3

1

Poor delivery but gets away with it! Full delivery down the leg side, Lee flicks it but there is a fine leg in place. Only a single in the end.

1.2

.

On a length on off, Lee drives it straight to mid off.

1.1

.

Swing straightaway! Brunt starts with a full delivery on off, swinging away, Lee looks to drive but it takes the outside edge and goes towards the point region.

Katherine Brunt will bowl from the other end. 1 slip in place for her.

0.6

.

Fullish on off, Dane drives it to cover. Good start for England. Only 3 runs from the first over.

0.5

.

Good length on off, Van Niekerk blocks it to the cover region.

0.4

.

Fullish delivery on off, Van Niekerk prods forward and defends it to the cover region.

0.3

1

Full on middle, Lee looks to flick but it takes the inside edge and goes towards deep square leg. A single.

0.2

2

Lucky! Full delivery on off, Lee looks to lift it over long on but fails to time it well. Luckily for her, it lands over the mid on fielder and the batters pick up a couple.

0.1

.

Shrubsole starts with a length ball on middle, Lee defends it back to the bowler.

The run chase is all set to get underway! England players make their way out to the middle in defense of 123. Dane Van Niekerk and Lizelle Lee follow them out. Anya Shrubsole will start with the ball.

124 to chase then. Not a very big total and South Africa do have a very good batting unit. But then, English bowlers are superb too. I think we are in for an exciting contest. Join us in a while for the run chase.

Shabnim Ismail is down for a quick chat. She says that she is happy with her performance and is happy they restricted England to a low score. Adds that herself and Marizane Kapp bowled really well. Mentions that the pitch was on the slower side and there were no demons on it. Ismail further says that 124 is chaseable and they are confident of chasing it down.

The bowling from South Africa was excellent. They used 5 bowlers and they all were superb. Apart from Mlaba who went wicketless, all the bowlers took at least a wicket. It was Ayabonga Khaka who ended with a 3-fer while Kapp, Van Niekerk ended up with 2 to their name. Shabnim Ismail took 1 wicket in her 4 overs but she was excellent in the field, taking two catches.

After being put in, Amy Jones started really well, hitting a few boundaries early on. However, once she fell, England kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Natalie Sciver though kept her end intact and with a superb half ton made sure England have something to defend. They lost the track in the middle overs and could not score freely. 48 runs in the final 5 overs meant that they crossed 120.

An excellent bowling performance from South Africa after opting to bowl. The way Amy Jones started the innings, it looked we are in for a run fest. But South African bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings after breaking the opening stand to keep England to 123.

19.6

2

Two runs to end the innings! It should have been a single only though. Good length ball on off, Shrubsole plays it uppishly towards the long on region and takes off for a couple. The fielder throws it to the wrong end as Shrubsole was halfway. Kapp collects the ball and then gives it to the keeper but by that time, Anya had made her way in. ENGLAND FINISH ON 123/8.

19.5

1

A very full delivery outside off, Ecclestone pushes it to cover for a single.

19.4

1

Good length ball outside off, Shrubsole looks to cut but gets an inside edge and goes towards third man. A single taken.

Anya Shrubsole is in now. 3 more balls left.

19.3

W

OUT! LBW! It is all reds on Ball Tracker and Tammy Beaumont has to go. They had no option but to go for the review. Fullish delivery on middle, Beaumont looks to heave it away but misses to get hit on the pads. The South African players appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Beaumont goes for the review. The Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that it was pitching in line and hitting the stumps.

A decision for LBW taken upstairs. Beaumont has been given out. It looks out. Let's see what happens.

19.2

.

BOUNCER! It is bowled outside off, Beaumont dances down the track and looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.

19.1

4

FOUR! Beautifully played! Slower length ball on middle, Beaumont waits for it and then half-pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.

Marizanne Kapp to bowl the last over of the innings.

Sophie Ecclestone is the new batter in.

18.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to the fielder! South Africa keep chipping away at the wickets. Full delivery outside off, Winfield looks to scoop and times it well. Tryon does not have to move as the ball goes straight into her hands.

18.5

1

Fullish on middle, Tammy flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

18.4

4

FOUR! CHEEKY! Good length ball on off, Beaumont bends on her knees and scoops it over the keeper's head for a maximum.

18.3

.

Full down the leg side, Beaumont looks to sweep but misses. Wide not signaled as it might have brushed her pad.

18.2

1

Slower ball on off, Winfield flicks it uppishly towards long on where the fielder collects it on a bounce. A single taken.

Lauren Winfield is the new batter in.

18.1

W

OUT! Knocks her over! Brilliant bowling from Khaka. This is a massive wicket as well. Khaka bowls a slower one around off, Sciver is way early in her slog. She misses and the ball goes behind to knock the off pole out of the ground. Excellent bowling from Khaka. But an excellent inning from Sciver.

17.6

1

FIFTY! 6th one in Women's T20I internationals for Natalie Sciver! She is taking England to a respectable total here. Short ball outside off, Sciver punches it to the deep cover region for a single. 11 runs from the over along with a wicket.

17.5

4

FOUR! Sciver is playing a wonderful knock here! Fullish on middle, Sciver moves to the off side and plays it to the fine leg region for a boundary.

Tammy Beaumont is the next batter in.

17.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! A promising partnership ends and South Africa pick up their 5th wicket. Ismail looks to cut but it takes the top edge and goes towards the third man region. Khaka settles herself and takes a simple catch.

17.3

4

FOUR! Top shot! England need more of these! Full on middle, Brunt flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.

17.2

.

Short ball around the pads, Brunt looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it.

17.1

2

Run out chance missed! Short ball outside off, Brunt punches it to the deep cover region and comes back for the second. The fielder throws it to the keeper but Chetty fails to collect. Had she collected and whipped the bails off, Brunt was well out even with her dive.

Shabnim Ismail returns. 3-0-15-0 so far from her. Can she finish her spell with a wicket?

16.6

1

Slower ball outside off, Brunt dances down the track and then punches it to cover for a single. 10 from the over.

16.5

1

Short of a length on off, Sciver pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

16.4

2

Fullish outside off, Sciver sweeps it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple. The fielder throws it back to the bowler but the batters were well in.

16.3

2

Full on middle, Sciver flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region and picks up a couple before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.

16.2

4

FOUR! Innovation at its best. Sciver is playing an excellent hand here. A length ball outside off, she moves towards the off side and scoops it over the keeper and the ball races to the fine leg fence.

16.1

.

Full and around off, Sciver pushes it to mid off.

Ayabonga Khaka is back on. 2-0-9-1 are her figures so far.

15.6

.

BEATEN! Flighted ball outside off, Brunt goes to play the sweep but fails to get any bat on it. Mlaba finishes with 4-0-31-0.

15.5

1

The batsman has swept that one through the leg side. They pick up a single.

15.4

4

FOUR! Nicely played! Loopy one on off, Sciver dances down and flicks it towards the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. The two fielders in the deep have no chance.

15.3

1lb

Tossed up ball on middle, Brunt comes down the track and looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. There is a mild appeal for LBW but nothing from the umpire. The ball rolls to the off side for a leg bye.

15.2

1

Flatter one outside off, Sciver punches it to the deep cover region for a single.

15.1

6

SIX! Whacked! Looped up ball on off, Sciver bends on her knees and sweeps it over the wide long on region for a maximum. Good start to the over.

Nonkululeko Mlaba is back to deliver for her last over. 3-0-19-0 from her so far.

14.6

2

Flighted ball on middle, Brunt paddles it over the keeper and collects a couple before the fielder cleans it up. Van Niekerk finishes with 4-0-20-2. Excellent outing for her.

14.5

1

Short ball on off, Sciver pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Katherine Brunt is the next batter in.

14.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! This was coming as Wilson was looking itchy and was struggling big time. South Africa remain on top at the moment. Floated ball on off, Wilson looks to go over long on but does not get the required elevation and distance on it. Shabnim Ismail settles herself under it and pouches it safely.

14.3

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Sciver sweeps it to deep square leg for a single.

14.2

1

Floated on middle, Wilson drives it to long on for a single.

14.1

1

Flatter one outside off, Sciver punches it to deep cover for a single.

13.6

1

Full on middle, Sciver pushes it to mid on for a single.

13.5

.

Another short one on middle, Sciver pulls it to the mid-wicket region. Another dot ball.

13.4

.

Fullish on off, Sciver pushes it down to mid off for another dot.

13.3

.

Short on off, Sciver pulls but straight to the mid on fielder.

13.2

1

Short ball on middle and leg, Wilson pulls it to deep square leg and crosses over for a run.

13.1

1

Good length ball outside off, Sciver pushes it to deep point for a single.

12.6

.

Loopy delivery on middle, Fran brings out her reverse sweep and plays it straight to point.

12.5

2

Full on middle, Wilson sweeps it towards the deep square leg region and picks up a couple.

12.4

1

Shortish in length on middle, Sciver pulls it through mid-wicket for another run.

12.3

1

Short ball on the pads, Wilson pulls it to the deep square leg region for a single.

12.2

1

Floated on middle, Sciver drives it to long on for a single.

12.1

1

Tossed up ball on off, Wilson digs it out to the off side and the batters take a single.

11.6

.

Length and on off, it is defended.

11.5

1

Shortish and around off, Wilson fends it towards mid off for a quick run.

11.4

1

Shortish and around off, Sciver forces it to deep cover for a run.

11.3

1

Short and on middle, Wilson pulls it towards deep square leg for a run.

11.2

.

This time bowls this length ball just outside off, Wilson tries to cut but there is no room on offer. She misses.

11.1

1

Ismail starts her new spell with a short ball outside off, Sciver cuts it to deep point for a run.

Shabnim Ismail is back on. 1-0-8-0 are her figures so far.

10.6

2

NOT OUT! Wilson's dive has saved her. Floated on middle, Wilson bends on her knees and then sweeps it to fine leg. She wants the second and calls her partner for the couple. The fielder throws it to the keeper who whips the bails off. The third umpire takes it upstairs and the replays show that Wilson had made it inside her crease.

An appeal for run out! It is referred upstairs. Wilson looks in and the replays confirm that.

10.5

.

Floated on middle, Wilson drives it back to the bowler.

10.4

1

Could have been close! Full on middle, Sciver pushes it down to mid on and takes off for a single. The fielder fails to collect it and the batters make it easily.

10.3

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Wilson heaves it to deep mid-wicket and picks up only a single.

10.2

1

Loopy delivery down the leg side, Sciver sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a run.

10.1

1

Low full toss on middle, Wilson sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a single.

9.6

.

Full and around off, pushed to mid off. 50/3 at the halfway mark.

9.5

4

FOUR! Smashed! A gift from Mlaba, a high full toss on middle, Sciver slams it wide of the long on fielder for a boundary.

9.4

1

Full and outside off, this time Wilson connects her reverse sweep and gets a run as the ball goes towards point.

9.3

.

STUMPING MISSED! That was an easy chance. Flighted ball around off, Wilson comes charging down the track and looks to smack the ball over ropes. But the ball turns away and bounces extra. It goes behind but Chetty fails to collect it cleanly. The ball hits her fingers and lobs. She collects the ball and whips the bails off now. The third umpire has been called and the replays show that Wilson managed to get her bat down in time.

9.2

.

Full and on the pads, Wilson looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. They appeal but nothing from the umpire.

9.1

.

Another reverse sweep attempt and Mlaba bowls it full and outside off, she though fails to connect this time.

8.6

1

Brings the reverse sweep out and gets off the mark. 2 runs and a wicket from the over.

8.5

.

Full and outside off, Wilson sweeps it but this time she finds square leg.

8.4

.

Loopy ball on off, Wilson drives it well but finds the cover fielder.

8.3

1

Full and around off, pushed through mid on for a run.

Fran Wilson is the next batter in.

8.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Brilliant running catch from Ismail and she sends the English skipper packing with a stunner! Full ball around off, Knight looks to go downtown but it is not timed too well. It goes well wide of the long on fielder. Ismail from that position runs to her left and covers a lot of ground and then holds onto the catch. Van Niekerk removes her opposite number.

8.1

.

Full and outside off, Knight pushes it towards mid off.

Dane Van Niekerk is on.

7.6

1

Full and around off, swept for a single towards deep square leg.

7.5

1

Short and outside off, Sciver cuts it through point for a single. Wanted the second but the fielder in the deep was quick to the ball.

7.4

1

Full and around off, Knight comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a single.

7.3

1

Quick single! Floated full and just around off, Sciver looks to drive but the ball takes an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls towards the off side and take a run.

7.2

.

On middle, it is defended.

7.1

1

Full and around off, paddled to fine leg for a run.

Nonkululeko Mlaba is back on! 1-0-9-0 are her figures so far.

6.6

1

Length ball around off, Knight works it towards square leg and takes a run.

6.5

1

On the pads, worked towards deep square leg for a run.

6.4

4

FOUR! A boundary after 25 balls. This should break the shackles. A low full toss on middle, Sciver drills it down the ground and the ball races away to the long on fence.

6.3

.

Shortish and around off, Sciver punches it to mid on.

6.2

1

Full and on middle, Knight looks to flick but the ball takes the inner part of her willow and goes to deep square leg for a run.

6.1

.

Full and around off from Khaka to start her second over, Knight drives it well but finds mid off.

5.6

.

Shortish and around off, Sciver goes on the back foot and forces it towards covers. Just 3 from the over and 31/2 at the end of the Powerplay. Excellent one for South Africa.

5.5

.

Fuller and around off, pushed to mid off.

5.5

1wd

WIDE! Tries something different but ends up bowling it down the leg side. Sciver tries flicking but misses.

5.4

.

Tight bowling from Kapp. She is keeping it straight and simple. Once again Sciver pushes it to mid on.

5.3

.

Full and on off, pushed to mid on.

5.2

1

Short and outside off, Knight cuts it over backward point but there is protection in the deep so just a run. Knight is off the mark on the 6th ball.

5.1

1

Length ball on middle, Sciver works it behind square for a run.

4.6

.

Length ball around off, Knight defends it out. Just 2 extras and a wicket from the over.

4.5

.

Length ball on middle, this time Knight pushes it towards mid on.

4.4

.

Another full ball around off, it is pushed to mid off.

4.3

.

Full and around off, pushed to mid off.

4.2

.

She finally gets it right and bowls a good length ball around off, Knight keeps it out.

4.2

1wd

WIDE! Another wide! Khaka still trying to find her line right as she dishes another ball down the leg side. Knight once again tries flicking but misses.

4.2

1wd

WIDE! Khaka bowls this down the leg side. Knight looks to flick but misses. Wided.

Heather Knight, the skipper is the new batter in.

4.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Both the openers dismissed now and it is all smiles in the Protea camp. Not a wicket-taking ball but Khaka won't care. A low full toss outside off, Wyatt drives it uppishly and it goes straight to point where Lee takes the easiest of chances. Top, top start for the Proteas after a very promising start from England. Two new batters at the crease now.

Ayabonga Khaka is into the attack.

3.6

1lb

Length ball on the pads, Wyatt looks to flick but is hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards the leg side and they take a quick run. Leg bye signaled.

3.5

.

Play and a miss! Wyatt looks to defend but is beaten.

Natalie Sciver is the next batter in.

3.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Kapp gets the first breakthrough. Jones mistimes this fuller length ball towards mid off as she tries to clear the infield but it takes the upper part of her bat and lobs towards extra cover where Tryon pouches it with ease. She was looking really good and would be disappointed.

3.3

2

Shortish and around off, Jones moves towards the off side and turns it towards deep square leg. A couple taken as the fielder from fine leg makes a diving stop.

3.2

1

Quick run! Brilliant running! Wyatt is doing well to give the strike back to Jones who is being the aggressor in this stand. A short ball around off, she taps it towards point and takes a run.

3.1

1

Angled into the batter on a good length, Jones works it towards fine leg for a run.

2.6

1

Short this time, Jones quickly goes on the back foot and pulls it towards mid-wicket. Again fails to time it well and the ball bounces just in front of the fielder there. She misfields and a run is taken.

2.5

.

Full and just outside off, Jones finds mid off with her mistimed drive. Shakes her head as she feels she should've drilled it down the ground.

2.4

2

A couple now! Short one on middle, Jones pulls it between mid-wicket and mid on. She does not time it well but good enough for a couple.

2.3

.

Length ball around off, this time Jones pushes it towards point.

2.2

4

FOUR! Poor bowling and Jones is pouncing on the opportunities offered. Her 4th boundary of the innings. Ismail bowls it short and outside off, Jones goes on the back foot and punches it through point for a boundary.

2.1

1

She starts with an overpitched ball outside off, Wyatt lunges forward and drives it to deep point for a run to get off the mark.

Just one over of spin as Shabnim Ismail comes to bowl now.

1.6

.

Top finish to the over. Just 4 runs off it, that too with a boundary. Landed on a length around off and middle, Jones pushes it towards mid on.

1.5

.

Around off, Jones comes forward and defends it out.

1.4

4

FOUR! Flicked in the gap! Goes full this time, Jones charges down the track and whips it between mid-wicket and mid on. The mid-wicket fielder gives it a chase but comes second.

1.3

.

Another good length ball angled into the batter, this time Jones flicks it to mid-wicket.

1.2

.

Length ball angled into the pads, Jones looks to flick but misses.

1.1

.

Beaten! Good first ball from Kapp. Length ball outside off, Jones looks to force it on the off side but gets beaten.

Marizanne Kapp to bowl from the other end.

0.6

1

Single to end the over! 9 from the first one. A full toss on middle, Jones comes down the track and drives it to long on for a run.

0.5

.

Full and around off, pushed to mid off.

0.4

4

FOUR! Another boundary! Mlaba flights this one and bowls it slightly fuller on off, Jones skips down the track and lofts it over mid off for another boundary.

0.3

4

FOUR! A gift from Mlaba and Jones accepts it gleefully. High full toss outside off, Jones drives it past the mid off fielder for a boundary.

0.2

.

On middle, this time Jones pushes it towards mid on.

0.1

.

Mlaba starts with a full ball just around off, Jones comes forward and pushes it towards mid off.

We are all set to begin! The South African players are in a huddle and are getting final advice from their skipper before they make their way out to the field. Amy Jones and Danielle Wyatt, the England openers follow them out. Nonkululeko Mlaba will start with the ball.

Both sides make their way out for their respective National Anthems.

Pitch report - Charlotte Edwards says that it looks like a good pitch with no demons on it. Adds that the pitch will offer some spin in the later half of the game.

England Playing XI - Amy Jones (wk), Danielle Wyatt, Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver, Fran Wilson, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Winfield, Katherine Brunt, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn.

South Africa Playing XI - Dane Van Niekerk (c), Lizelle Lee, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Mignon du Preez, Sune Luus, Laura Wolvaardt, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

Heather Knight, England captain, says that she would've bowled as well. On the recent tri-series, Knight feels that series like these helps the team know their strengths and weaknesses. Says that it is a really big World Cup for them. On their positive record against South Africa, Knight says that it does not really matter and the players need to turn up on the given day.

Dane Van Niekerk, South Africa captain, says that she wants to chase first by restricting the strong England batting line-up. Adds that during the Big Bash, defending was difficult on this track. Tells that they lost the series against New Zealand but it was touch and go there.

Toss - South Africa have won the toss and THEY WILL BOWL FIRST.

Match no. 4 sees England facing South Africa in both the sides' first appearance in this year's T20 Women's World Cup. England, the last time finalists, have one of the strongest sides in the tournament and are favourites going into this game. Heather Knight and Danielle Wyatt will be leading the batting attack and would hope that they put in a terrific performance. South Africa, on the other hand, come into this tournament on the back of a series loss against New Zealand. Lizelle Lee and Mignon du Preez have been in good form. Their captain has recovered from an injury and would hope that she comes good and help in starting the tournament with a win. Who will be able to open their account in the points table? England or South Africa? Toss and team updates in a while.

Match Center

Match 4, Perth, February 23, 2020, 04:30 PM

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