Women's Cricket World Cup: South Africa Defeats England in Thrilling Encounter

• The Proteas showed why they were rated as one of the favourites to win the 2022 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand
• South Africa defeated England by three wickets at the Bay Oval in Tauranga on Monday morning
• The victory leaves them one win away from qualifying for the semifinals, while the English - the defending champions - are on the brink of elimination

South Africa's women's national cricket team underlined its title-challenging credentials with a crucial three-wicket victory over England on Monday morning in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Chasing a tough 236 runs for victory against the defending Cricket World Cup champions, the Proteas tensely reached the total with four deliveries remaining to seal a famous victory. In the process, the South Africans got their first win over the English at a world cup in more than 20 years.

Clutch all-rounder Marizanne Kapp was named the player of the match, taking five wickets for 45 runs in 10 overs. Critically, she chipped in with 32 important runs as the Proteas held their nerve in a thrilling run chase.

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Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with a monumental 77 runs off 101 deliveries. She was ably supported by captain Sune Luus (36 off 49) and Tazmin Brits (23 off 46).

The pick of England's bowlers was Anya Shrubsole, who took two wickets for 36 runs in nine overs bowled, supported by the miserly Sophie Ecclestone's one for 23 in 10 overs.

Earlier, England was not allowed to really get away from the Proteas' bowlers, who hunted as a pack led by Kapp. Tammy Beaumont's 62 and Amy Jones' 53, together with a determined Sophia Dunkley's 26 pushed the Three Lions to their total of 235/9.

Masabata Klaas complemented Kapp's stunning bowling display, tying up the English batters with an impressive return of two for 23 runs in eight overs.

The victory keeps the Proteas' 100% record going, taking them to second place on six points, separated from red-hot Australia by net run rate. They take on the hosts New Zealand on Thursday morning, with victory likely to book their spot in the semifinals.

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England, on the other hand, lost its third consecutive match. The team is now in a must-win scenario starting with India on Wednesday, risking the reality of being eliminated after only four games.

Women's Cricket World Cup: Proteas hold their nerve in tense win over Pakistan

The Proteas' bowlers were in top form in ensuring that South Africa remained unbeaten in the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup at the Bay Oval on Friday morning.

As reported on Sports Brief, South Africa had to sweat to hold off a plucky Pakistan with a six-run victory.

Batting first, the Proteas reached 223/9 in 50 overs, before dismissing Pakistan for 217 in 49.5 over..