England’s T20 World Cup hopes ended by semi-final defeat to South Africa

England’s hopes of reaching the Women’s T20 World Cup final were dashed by a narrow six-run defeat to South Africa in Cape Town.

England lost a flurry of late wickets in their chase of 165 to win, collapsing from 131 for three to 140 for seven, with three falling in the critical 18th over of the match.

Ayabonga Khaka bowled that game-changing over, taking the wickets of Amy Jones, Sophie Ecclestone and Katherine Sciver-Brunt in quick succession.

England were left to rue missed opportunities, having started their chase in dominant fashion, putting on more than 50 in the powerplay and scoring at more than 10 an over.

However, unlike South Africa, who lost their first wicket in the 14th over and just four in total, England wickets tumbled towards the end, shifting the momentum firmly in favour of the hosts.

England needed 13 going into the final over, but South Africa’s victory was all but confirmed when Heather Knight was bowled with three balls remaining, for 31.

Shabnim Ismail bowled the final over of the match, finishing with three for 27 as South Africa made history by reaching their first World Cup final in women’s cricket.