The top-ranked England Woman’s team proved too strong for the fighting Proteas Women, after they won by seven wickets at Canterbury to take the series 2-1.
The Proteas Women were desperate to avenge their bitter defeat in the last World Cup, but despite some powerful performances, the Proteas were unable to turn the tables on their English counterparts.
Tammy Beaumont was again outstanding, following her 101 at Hove with an innings of 105 off 123 balls to deny the Proteas Women. Beaumont scored 14 fours in her innings before Marizanne Kapp trapped her leg-before.
Earlier Ayabonga Khaka had given the Proteas hope by snaring the wickets of Amy Jones for 24 and Sarah Taylor for five. That brought English skipper Heather Knight to the crease to play her first innings of substance in the series, in the process serving as the perfect foil for Beaumont as she powered her way to an undefeated 80 off 83 balls with seven fours.
The Proteas bowlers struggled to restrain the English batsmen,as only Shabnim Ismail was able to keep the English batters to under five runs an over. She bowled superbly, returning figures of 0-30 off her 10 overs, at an economy rate of 3.00.
The England Women were expected to take the series, but the Proteas Women gave a really good account of themselves and, despite some disappointments and areas where they need to improve, the Proteas should feel confident looking ahead to the next World Cup.
Photo: Sarah Ansell/Getty Images
