Stellar performances from Danielle Wyatt and Sophie Ecclestone helped defending champions England thrash South Africa and set up a final against Australia at the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup on Thursday.
After being asked to bat first, English opener Wyatt starred with the willow, smashing her maiden century at the multi-team event. Wyatt scored 129 off 125 balls with the help of 12 boundaries, propelling England to an imposing total of 293/8.
Wyatt was well supported by Sophia Dunkley, who slammed a tremendous half-century to assist England to come out of hot waters after the Heather Knight-led side was reeling at 126/4. The duo went on to form a remarkable 116-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Dunkley smashed 60 from 72 deliveries, including four boundaries.
In response, the South Africans got bundled out for 156 in 38 overs, losing the contest by 137 runs thanks to Ecclestone’s stunning bowling. The left-armer completed her maiden six-wicket haul in international cricket while conceding only 36 runs in eight overs. Apart from Ecclestone, Anya Shrubsole picked up a couple of scalps for 27 runs in five overs.
“Really happy, it was a complete performance from all the girls today. Couple of days off, and we will be ready for the final. Dunkley has been amazing right throughout the tournament, she has a really calm head on her shoulders. Just tried to be positive and get a good start for the team. We have been together for a couple of months, it has been a long trip,” said Wyatt after the match.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Amazing performance by @englandcricket! Brilliant by @Danni_Wyatt and Sophie Ecclestone in particular. Bring on the Aussies! https://t.co/l579yWXY6z
— Richard Fidler 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@richardfidler) March 31, 2022
🤗 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 https://t.co/0gvBv0J2au
— Danielle Wyatt (@Danni_Wyatt) March 31, 2022
Love watching @Danni_Wyatt .. What a time to produce an innings of pure class .. England v Aussie final looks tasty .. #ICCWomensWorldCup2022
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) March 31, 2022
What a performance by England.@Danni_Wyatt resilient ton and Sophie Ecclestone with 6 in the bag in a Worldcup game 👌
England against the formidable Aussies for their one shot at the trophy.#CWC22— Marina Iqbal (@MarinaMI_24) March 31, 2022
ECCLESTONE YOU FUCKING BEAUTY!!!!!!!! Finally that international 5fa.. only gone and got 6 as well 😍😍😍😍😍
ENGLAND IN THE @cricketworldcup FINAL BABYYYYYY! #CWC22
— Alexandra Hartley (@AlexHartley93) March 31, 2022
England thrashed South Africa in the second semi-final. #ENGvSA #CWC22
Scorecard: https://t.co/ewUAB9tJ1U pic.twitter.com/LCOLaZGvTG— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 31, 2022
My God. Sophie Ecclestone. Six wickets in no time at all. Wyatt (and Dunkley) superb with the bat. What a team this is. Bring all that to the final and Australia have someone to challenge them properly. What. A. Team. #CWC22
— Chris Addison💙 (@mrchrisaddison) March 31, 2022
How good were these two today! @Sophecc19 🤝 @Danni_Wyatt #CWC22 pic.twitter.com/Iid5yS2U9n
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) March 31, 2022
The #MomentumProteas have inspired the nation with their performance at the #CWC22
A massive THANK YOU to everyone for your unwavering support throughout the tournament 🇿🇦 💚 #BePartOfTheForce #AlwaysRising pic.twitter.com/k5OjzEQxEy
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 31, 2022
It wasn’t to be this time but we are all really proud of you ladies https://t.co/miytYwnhm6
— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) March 31, 2022