South Africa edge home in another record-breaking thriller
South Africa Women kept their hopes of glory alive in the Tri-Series with a record-breaking chase against their England counterparts at Taunton.
Lizelle Lee’s superb form in England continued with an explosive 37-ball 68 to get the chase underway but when she departed, the stage was set for 22-year-old Sune Luus to steer the tourists to victory with just three balls remaining.
Luus held her nerve brilliantly at the death. South Africa needed 18 from the last two overs, and then nine from the final six deliveries, to be bowled by the impressive Katherine Brunt.
The tension was palpable, but Luus, on 49* when the final over began, picked up a boundary on the leg-side to the first ball, carved the next delivery through the covers and finally, with the scores level, lofted an imperious six over mid-wicket to complete South Africa Women’s highest-ever chase in T20 cricket.
It was a scintillating game of cricket for the packed Taunton crowd. Tammy Beaumont continued her rich vein of form with another sparkling knock, her 71 from 59 balls following her astonishing run of three centuries in eight days, all against the same opposition.
Although able support was offered by Sarah Taylor (20) and latterly Heather Knight, whose unbeaten 35 occupied just 20 deliveries, their final total of 160/5 left the door ajar for the tourists.
As so often, South Africa were indebted to Shabnim Ismail’s brilliance with the ball. Her two wickets, those of Beaumont and Taylor, ultimately checked England’s progress, and gave Lee and Luus a target that was within range.
After a chastening four-match losing streak, South Africa Women desperately needed this victory. The outpouring of emotion when the final shot was struck spoke volumes.
The result means they are still in the series, with England now having to pick themselves up to face their New Zealand counterparts in part two of this marquee Saturday double-header at Taunton.
All teams now have two points, with South Africa having played three matches, England two and New Zealand just one.
