England Women secured a commanding seven-wicket win over South Africa Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 7. However, what truly stole the spotlight was Nat Sciver-Brunt’s bizarre run-out that left everyone talking. The incident occurred in the final over of South Africa’s innings when Sciver-Brunt was bowling to Annerie Dercksen.
In a display of quick reflexes and unintended brilliance, she stuck out her right foot to block a powerful drive. The ball ricocheted off her boot and crashed into the stumps at the non-striker’s end. Sune Luus, who had wandered out of her crease, was left stranded and dismissed in one of the most unconventional run-outs seen in recent memory.
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Earlier in the game, South Africa’s skipper Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bat. On a tricky pitch, the Proteas put up a modest total of 124/6 in their 20 overs. Wolvaardt led from the front, scoring 42 off 39 balls, while Marizanne Kapp contributed a valuable 26 runs.
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Dercksen also chipped in with a handy 20 runs towards the end, helping to push the total to a somewhat defendable score. England’s bowlers, however, dominated the game. Sophie Ecclestone was the standout performer with impressive figures of 2/15, restricting the South African batters throughout the innings.
Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean, and Sarah Glenn also took crucial wickets, ensuring the Proteas couldn’t gain momentum. During the chase, England lost opener Maia Bouchier early, but Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 43 and Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 48 guided their team to victory.
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With just four balls to spare, England comfortably crossed the target. Ecclestone’s economical bowling earned her the Player of the Match award. England now sits atop their group with two consecutive wins and a net run rate of 0.653, strengthening their position in the tournament.