England meet Australia in women’s T20 final

Scores: England 169 for 5 in 20 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 75, Heather Knight 58) South Africa 129 for 8 in 20 overs

England roared into Sunday’s T20 World Cup final against Australia with a superb 40-run victory against South Africa at The Oval.

On a brilliant night under the lights in front of a jubilant and expectant crowd, England overcame their recent struggles in pressure matches in the biggest sign of improvement under coach Charlotte Edwards to date.

They wobbled early on, faltering at 23-3 in the fourth over, but captain Nat Sciver-Brunt hit an immaculate 75 from 47 on her return from a calf injury which had threatened to rule her out of the tournament.

She shared a partnership of 133 from 90 balls with Heather Knight lifting England all of the way to 169-5. Knight, equally as impressive as Sciver-Brunt, made 58 from 47.

Sophie Ecclestone took a leaping catch to see off Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt and break an opening stand of 43 and took a second tough chance later to dismiss Sune Luus. (BBC Sport)