Taylor’s slick sleight of hand
The first semi-final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 between England and South Africa in Bristol on Tuesday was a captivating affair, ending with Anya Shubsrole hitting a boundary off the penultimate ball to script a memorable two-wicket win for the home side.
The drama in the chase of 219 unfolded after Sarah Taylor, Heather Knight and Natalie Sciver fell in the space of six runs. It was Taylor, who had set up the chase with a knock of 54 and a steady third-wicket stand of 78 runs with Knight.
She, however, produced the moment of the day earlier in the match while standing up to Sciver's medium pace. South Africa was looking to consolidate through a second-wicket stand between Laura Wolvaardt and Trisha Chetty when, in the 12th over, Sciver bowled wide down the leg side.
WICKET: Sarah Taylor's brilliant stumping dismisses Trisha Chetty
Taylor was alert to spot that even as Chetty lost her balance while trying to flick off the front foot. It was sensational, as Taylor produced a slick piece of work to remove the bails with the ball almost falling out of her gloves.
That stalled South Africa's progress and took them to only 218 for 6 when a larger total looked more probable.
From being unsure of playing cricket again to being at the forefront of England's journey to Lord's for the final on July 23, Taylor has come a long way indeed.