A brave four-wicket haul from an injured Sophie Ecclestone was all for naught, as England’s batting imploded in a 125-run semi-final loss to South Africa. Ecclestone, “wincing with pain” from a shoulder injury, was England’s lone warrior.
Her efforts were crucial in the middle overs, breaking a 116-run opening stand and helping to reduce South Africa to 202 for six. She bowled Tazmin Brits and Anneke Bosch, giving England a genuine path to victory.
However, once her 10 overs were up, Laura Wolvaardt (169) dismantled the remaining bowlers, smashing 69 off 28 balls to push the total to 319 for seven.
Then, England’s batters wasted Ecclestone’s heroic effort. They collapsed to one for three, with their top three all dismissed for ducks, as Marizanne Kapp delivered a stunning double-wicket maiden.
Kapp finished with five for 20, bowling England out for 194. It was a heartbreaking end for Ecclestone, whose grit was undone by her team’s batting frailties.
