England claimed a series-clinching six-wicket victory over South Africa in the rain-affected third women’s ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday.
The Proteas posted 233-8 in their 50 overs thanks to captain Laura Wolvaardt’s composed 61 off 68 balls, which included nine boundaries.
After a lengthy delay due to rain and lightning, England’s target was reduced to 152 from 23 overs, which opener Tammy Beaumont (65 off 46 balls) and Amy Jones (49* off 36) helped them chase down with four overs to spare.
Asked to bat first in hot conditions, South Africa started strongly with a solid opening partnership between Lara Goodall (17) and Wolvaardt. The pair put on a 50-run stand before Lauren Bell (1-46) dismissed Goodall.
Anneke Bosch (19) joined Wolvaardt at the crease, and the duo combined for another crucial partnership, taking the hosts to 95-1 after 20 overs.
Wolvaardt celebrated her 34th ODI half-century before she and Bosch were dismissed in quick succession by Alice Capsey (2-59) and Sophie Ecclestone (2-26), leaving South Africa at 107-3 in the 23rd over.
Despite contributions from the middle order, England’s bowlers struck at regular intervals. Nadine de Klerk (14) was run out, while Annerie Dercksen (13) fell lbw to Charlie Dean (2-52).
At 156-5, Marizanne Kapp (38) and Chloé Tryon (20) stitched together a valuable 42-run stand for the sixth wicket. Both batters, however, were dismissed shortly thereafter, with Ecclestone and Capsey each claiming their second wickets of the innings.
The Proteas faced further setbacks when Masabata Klaas (nought) was dismissed by Dean, but a critical ninth-wicket partnership between Mieke de Ridder (19*) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (16*) helped propel the hosts to a competitive total.
Chasing a reduced target, England’s innings got off to a shaky start as Kapp delivered a fiery opening spell, dismissing Maia Bouchier (four) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (bought) in the first over.
Kapp struck again, clean bowling England captain Heather Knight (six) to leave the visitors reeling at 25-3 in the fourth over.
Beaumont found support in Danni Wyatt-Hosge (22), building a 38-run partnership, and then joined forces with wicketkeeper-batter Amy Jones for a match-winning 90-run stand.
Beaumont’s composed knock, combined with Jones’ aggressive batting, sealed a six-wicket win and a 2-1 series victory for England.
Spinner Charlie Dean was named Player of the Series for her seven wickets across three matches, including a standout performance of 4-45.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
