England cruised to a six-wicket victory at Lincoln after limiting South Africa to 138–9 from their 35 overs; England begin their World Cup title defense against Australia in Hamilton on Saturday, live on Sky Sports
Sophie Ecclestone and Anya Shrubsole impressed in England’s win over South Africa on Wednesday
England will head into the Cricket Women’s World Cup on a winning streak after beating South Africa in their final warm-up match in New Zealand.
The reigning world champions, who crushed Bangladesh in their first warm-up match on Sunday, cruised to a six-wicket win in a rain-affected match against the Proteas at Lincoln.
South Africa were held to just 138-9 from their 35 overs, despite a half-century from Marizanne Kapp, with Sophie Ecclestone (3-23) and Anya Shrubsole (2-18) the bowlers’ choice.
Tammy Beaumont was England’s top scorer with 35 before being sacked by Ayabonga Khaka (2-8), with Nat Sciver adding 33 before retiring.
Sophia Dunkley recorded a run-a-ball 18 and finished unbeaten with Freya Davies (11*), as England comfortably chased their victory goal with nearly nine overs to spare.
Elsewhere, Pakistan claimed a seven-run DLS victory over Bangladesh in their also weather-affected warm-up match, going 199-7 from their 42 overs before eliminating their opponents by 192.
England begin their title defense against Australia in Hamilton on Saturday, a day after hosts New Zealand, who thrashed Australia on Tuesday, begin the tournament against the West Indies.
Heather Knight said they will next face the West Indies and South Africa, before a rematch of the 2017 final occurs when they take on India, the team they sank by nine runs at Lord’s on an unforgettable Sunday afternoon five years ago.
Knight’s side wrap up the group stage with games against New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh, after which they hope to play in the semi-finals and ultimately the final in Christchurch on April 3.
Watch every Cricket Women’s World Cup match live on Sky Sports. Coverage of the first match of the tournament, hosts New Zealand versus the West Indies, begins Friday at 12:30am England vs Australia is live from 12:30am on Saturday.
