England book final after 40-run win over South Africa

England has reached the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup for the first time in eight years, defeating South Africa by 40 runs in a tense semifinal at The Oval on Thursday. The victory sets up a title clash with six-time champions Australia at Lord's on Sunday.

After being sent in to bat, England's innings was in immediate peril, collapsing to 23 for three within four overs. South Africa's formidable pace attack, led by Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, struck early, removing Amy Jones, tournament-leading run-scorer Danni Wyatt-Hodge, and Alice Capsey.

The hosts were rescued by a commanding 133-run partnership between captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and former skipper Heather Knight. Sciver-Brunt, returning from a calf injury that sidelined her for the final three group matches, scored a pivotal 75 runs from 47 deliveries. Knight provided crucial support with 58 from 47 balls. Their stand, the highest for any wicket in a Women's T20 World Cup knockout match, propelled England to a competitive total of 169 for five.

South Africa's chase began steadily with a 43-run opening stand, but the required run rate escalated after the powerplay. The key breakthrough came when England spinner...