England defeated South Africa by 40 runs to book their place in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final
Tammy Beaumont (75) and Heather Knight (58) starred with the bat, while Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean claimed two wickets each
Tazmin Brits (51) fought a lone battle for South Africa as England set up a blockbuster final against Australia at Lord's
England produced a clinical all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 40 runs in the second semifinal of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, securing their place in a record-extending fifth Women's T20 World Cup final.
After being put in to bat, the hosts posted a formidable 169/4, thanks to superb half-centuries from Tammy Beaumont (75) and Heather Knight (58). The experienced duo stitched together a match-defining partnership, ensuring England finished strongly after a steady start.
In reply, South Africa never managed to keep up with the required run rate despite Tazmin Brits' fighting 51. England's disciplined bowling attack kept striking at regular intervals, with Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean claiming two wickets each to derail the Proteas' chase. South Africa eventually finished on 129/8 in their allotted 20 overs, falling well short of the target.
The victory sets up a blockbuster Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final between England and Australia at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on July 5. While England will be aiming to reclaim the trophy on home soil, Australia will enter the final looking to add yet another ICC title to their remarkable collection.
Australia have already stormed into the final after thrashing West Indies in the first semifinal, and today's winner will face the six-time champions at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday, July 5.
Hosts England topped their group with a perfect record of five wins from five matches and also hold a strong advantage over the Proteas in T20Is, having won 23 of the 32 encounters between the two sides.
Meanwhile, South Africa, who were placed in the group of death, booked their place in the semifinals after winning four of their five group-stage matches. Having reached the last two T20 World Cup finals, the Proteas will now be aiming for a third consecutive shot at lifting their maiden ICC trophy.
England Vs South Africa, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Toss Update
South Africa women have won the toss and elected to bowl first.
England Vs South Africa, ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026: Playing XIs
England Women: Amy Jones(w), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta(w), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
