So far, so good for Women’s T20 World Cup hopefuls England, who will clash with fellow titans India at Trent Bridge next summer.
Top of Group B with two wins from two, England next face Scotland - and The Blaze’s Kathryn and Sarah Bryce - on Sunday in Sharjah.
The Blaze have been well represented across the tournament, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sarah Glenn featuring in both victories for England as Sciver-Brunt scored a match-winning unbeaten 48 from only 36 balls to see off Nadine de Klerk’s South Africa last on Monday.
While England’s 21-run win over Bangladesh to kick-start their campaign was somewhat routine, their showdown with the Proteas went down to the wire as England needed four runs from the final over.
Having taken a wicket in South Africa’s 20th over, Sciver-Brunt - who had produced a truly fine display with the bat on a reportedly slow pitch - drove Ayabonga Khaka beyond extra cover to seal a very big win in the tournament’s early stages as England place a firm eye on sealing top spot in their group.
Next summer’s visitors India, meanwhile, bounced back from defeat to New Zealand with victory over neighbours Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller.
England and India will face-off at Trent Bridge in a mouth-watering Women’s IT20 clash on 28 June 2025, with tickets to go on general sale tomorrow (Thursday 10 October).
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