South Africa recorded their lowest ever total when England bowled them out for 64 in just 19.4 overs in their second innings, winning the one-off test match for women by a huge 286 runs with more than a day to spare at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

It was England’s first test victory in 10 years.

South Africa put up a good fight for most of the three days, but then England crushed a fading home team on a deteriorating pitch with some destructive pace bowling, principally by Lauren Bell, backed up by an important contribution from their ever-impressive left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone.

And just to add a couple more blushes to South African faces, they gave away two wickets through careless run-outs.

England Women's first Test win in 10 years 🤍

What a special week 🥹 pic.twitter.com/KYcMwV0596

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 17, 2024

South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, said after the match: “It was very disappointing. We played some good cricket for a lot of the match but let it slip in the last hour or two. All credit to England though. The middle session on day one hurt us quite a bit, but we did well after that to bring it back.”

Wolvaardt praised Nonkululeko Mlaba: “She was wonderful throughout, the way she bounced back on day one and then to take six wickets today was incredible.”

She added: “We’d love to play more test cricket, there’s only so much you can do in the nets, but we’ll learn from this game. It’s time to take a bit of time off and reflect.”

Left-arm spinner Mlaba was the headline performer for the home team, becoming the first South African woman to claim 10 wickets in a test match with match figures of 46-6-157-10 (4-90 and 6-67).

Wicket taker and history maker! ☄️

Huge congratulations to Nonkululeko Mlaba for making history as the first South African woman to take 10 wickets in a Women's Test! 🙌🇿🇦

Your talent, determination, and hard work have truly paid off! 💪

We are beyond proud of you! 💚… pic.twitter.com/9HBVxXb2nR

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 17, 2024

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

But it was Bell who was adjudicated player of the match for her match figures of 8-76 (4-49 and 4-27).

Her contribution was particularly crucial when South Africa batted for the second time, shortly before tea, chasing a distant 351 for victory.

Her dismissal of Wolvaardt was key, the ball cutting back viciously and keeping low to trap the South African captain plumb in front.

What a performance from Lauren Bell 😍

8 wickets in the match, and match-winning spell in the final session 💪 pic.twitter.com/8JSqLBADez

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 17, 2024

Her dismissal of Annerie Dercksen shortly after tea was a moment of controversy, however.

With DRS not available, the decision over whether Dercksen had edged a delivery onto her pad to be taken at short leg was referred upstairs.

Perhaps the umpire was unsighted, but then the decision should have been not out. At any rate the dismissal had an air of mystery about it.

South Africa were 12 for two at tea and subsided quickly after that with only Marizanne Kapp providing some backbone with 21.

Mlaba had some fun at the end of the innings with three fours in her 14 before she neglected to run her bat into the crease and was run out by a throw from Bell.

Ecclestone took her first two wickets without conceding a run, trapping Chloe Tryon leg before who padded up without playing a shot and Kapp, brilliantly caught at silly point by Tammy Beaumont.

The quick ending to the match was something of a shock, however, as for much of the final day South Africa had toiled hard and fairly successfully to contain the England batters who had to rely on a stalwart 90 in 191 balls from their captain, Heather Knight, to boost their innings to 236, setting South Africa an intimidating 351 to win.

MLABA MAKES HISTORY

South Africa had started the day in the red with pace bowler Ayanda Hlubi ruled out of the remainder of the test with a grade one tear to her hip flexor while Kapp didn’t bowl at all because her fitness was being “managed”.

South Africa nevertheless made a good start to the morning session with England resuming on 31 for one with Nadine de Klerk and Tumi Sekhukhune keeping it tight against Knight and Tammy Beaumont.

Sekhukhune struck in the sixth over when she angled one into Beaumont who played around it and was trapped in front.

First-innings centurion Nat Sciver-Brunt joined Beaumont and both batters were challenged by Mlaba who bowled with guile and, most importantly, discipline as she commanded respect.

England nevertheless gradually improved their run-rate with Sciver-Brunt playing the aggressor as the pair added 67 for the third wicket.

Mlaba was unlucky when wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, again untidy behind the stumps, dropped a straightforward catch off Sciver-Brunt as she pushed forward, but the hurt didn’t last too long as the England star (37 off 58 balls, including six fours) played on shortly afterwards to the same bowler.

Sekhukhune struck again when Dani Wyatt-Hodge, who struck a brisk run-a-ball 23, edged a drive to Anneke Bosch at wide slip, but Knight, partnered by an aggressive Amy Jones (21 off 21 balls including 4x4s through the on-side) took England to lunch.

It was all Mlaba after lunch as she bowled quite superbly to take 6-67 to supplement her four wickets in England’s first innings.

🚨 RECORD ALERT: First South African to take 10 wickets in a Women's Test✨

Nonkululeko Mlaba with the best Test match figures for 🇿🇦#SAvENG pic.twitter.com/lK5ztKjggS

— Women’s CricZone (@WomensCricZone) December 17, 2024

But, England, largely through Knight's innings, had done more than enough to score enough runs to ensure a crushing victory as the Mangaung Oval pitch became an increasingly active ally of the England pace and spin bowlers.

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi

ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (capt). Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.

South Africa lost their last seven wickets for 44 runs to give England a first-innings advantage of 114 on the second day of the one-off women’s test at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Monday.

But South Africa struck back when England batted again, with pace bowler Ayanda Hlubi having first-innings centurion Maia Bouchier caught behind for a 19-ball duck with a superb delivery in the offside channel.

At the close England, with Tammy Beaumont and skipper Heather Knight at the crease, had reached 31-1 in 14 overs to extend their overall lead to 145 with nine wickets in hand.

There are two more days left to play in the four-day test.

Day 2 | Stumps ⚪️🟢

A busy day of cricket for both teams!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿England: 395/9 after 92 overs, declared (1st innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 281/10 after 88.4 overs (1st Innings)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿England: 31/1 after 14 overs played (2nd Innings)

They hold a lead of 145 runs, leading into day 3 of the… pic.twitter.com/eljuL1JvIt

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 16, 2024

The South African innings could be assessed before and after a break for lightning shortly after tea.

Before the break, South Africa had batted with great resolution and reached 237 for three with three half-centuries from skipper Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp and a valuable 41 from Annerie Dercksen.

Kapp was dismissed just before the lightning break, providing medium-pacer Ryana MacDonald-Gay with her first test wicket on debut.

After the clouds had cleared and the sun had returned, MacDonald-Gay doubled up on her wickets by getting Nadine de Klerk caught behind for a duck.

The second new ball then further aided England’s cause as Lauren Bell scythed through the tail, finishing with career-best figures of 4-49 including two wickets in consecutive balls and the chance of a hat-trick.

So good today from Lauren Bell 👏 pic.twitter.com/p1UG6zZneA

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 16, 2024

RECORD PARTNERSHIP AGAINST ENGLAND

South Africa had earlier resumed on 17 without loss after England declared their first innings on 395-9 shortly before the close of play on Sunday.

The home team lost their first wicket in the second over when Anneke Bosch played tentatively at a wide delivery from pace bowler Bell, edging a catch to wicketkeeper Amy Jones.

Thereafter Wolvaardt and Dercksen put together an excellent partnership of 92 in 173 balls – a South African record for the wicket against England.

As the number of balls suggests, it was tough, attritional cricket against a tight attack that bowled wicket to wicket, generally on a good length, that made fast scoring difficult.

Wolvaardt managed the battle calmly and efficiently, unleashing her famed cover drive when appropriate, as well as scoring well through the midwicket area.

Captain Reliable!🫡

Laura Wolvaardt brings up a patient half-century in our chase of England's 1st innings score.

Lovely batting Wolfie👏🏏😁#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe#BePartOfIt #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/gKlFwZ3ULA

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 16, 2024

The 23-year-old Dercksen showed lots of grit and application in her innings of 41 in 77 balls (8x4s).

Her only weakness was a vulnerability to Lauren Filer’s short-pitched bowling. She was hit on the helmet by one bumper and survived a chance to Bell at fine-leg.

Sadly for her she was unable to withstand Filer’s final over before lunch, nudging a rising delivery to Knight at slip who knocked the ball up for Sophie Ecclestone to take a sharp reflex catch on the rebound.

Much of the morning session revolved around a battle between Wolvaardt and England’s star left-arm spinner Ecclestone who showed good discipline in her spell of eight overs for 12 runs, occasionally getting turn and bounce on a pitch that was quickly drying out in the intense heat and breezy conditions.

Only one wicket fell in the afternoon session as South Africa continued to cope well with England’s disciplined attack, and that was the valuable scalp of Wolvaardt who was adjudged leg before to Ecclestone for 65.

It was a controversial dismissal because it appeared that Wolvaardt got an inside edge before the ball went on to her pad.

She was clearly angry with the umpire’s verdict as she reluctantly left the field but the real problem was that Cricket South Africa had decided to dispense with the Decision Review System (DRS) for this test, apparently due to expense, so there was no provision for a review.

But if there was a natural anxiety that the dismissal of South Africa’s rock would precipitate a collapse, Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp showed excellent temperament and technique to allay South African supporters’ fears as the pair batted throughout the rest of the session against the twin wiles of Ecclestone and offspinner Charlie Dean.

Ecclestone, in particular, put in a disciplined performance, rarely straying in line and length and was eventually rewarded with the excellent figures of 1-40 off 25 overs.

The pitch was still playing well for the batters, however, although the occasional ball turned and bounced or squatted low.

After tea, Kapp just had time to reach her second half-century in tests before she played inside a full delivery from England debutant Rayona MacDonald-Gay, and had her off-stump knocked out.

Marvelous Marizanne!😃

Kapp brings up her half-century for the Proteas in style.
Lovely focused batting!👏🏏#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe#BePartOfIt #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/CEuzlk28bu

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 16, 2024

Her aggressive 57 came in 74 balls and included 11 fours. She and the more cautious Luus had added 99 for the fourth wicket in 175 balls.

Luus, who had shown great patience in her knock of 56 in 148 balls, was eventually caught behind off England’s fastest bowler, Filer, and apart from Chloe Tryon’s breezy 20, the rest of the South African innings crumbled thereafter.

Sublime Sune!😁

Sune Luus joined the half-centurions of the team with her very own score of 50+🏏✨#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/J6qZ9vIZuG

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 16, 2024

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi

ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (capt). Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.

Superb centuries from Maia Bouchier and Nat Sciver-Brunt helped England dominate the first day of the one-off test against South Africa at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

But South Africa can at least be satisfied that they won the final session, claiming the last six England wickets for 103 before openers Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch survived the six overs they had to face as the home team finished on 17 without loss after England had piled up 395 for nine declared in their first knock.

Skipper Heather Knight won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bat first on a well-grassed pitch at a blustery Mangaung Oval. Wolvaardt confirmed that she would have batted too if she had been able.

The England innings began solidly with Bouchier sharing half-century partnerships with Tammy Beaumont (21) and Heather Knight (21) as England went into lunch on 103 for one wicket.

South Africa’s bowlers were loose in their disciplines to start with, offering boundary balls almost every over for at least the first hour of play. Thereafter they tightened up, particularly after pace bowler Ayanda Hlubi induced Beaumont to cloth a pull to Sune Luus at midwicket.

Bouchier, making her test debut, was elegance personified in her innings, driving beautifully, particularly on the on side. She had two moments of luck, when she might have been run out after a misunderstanding with Beaumont, and when she went to her 50 with a hooked six that Marizanne Kapp might have caught on the square-leg boundary.

The home team started the second session deceptively well with Tumi Sekhukhane trapping Knight leg before with a delivery that drifted into her, striking her plumb in front.

Day 1 | Stumps ⚪️🟢

An exciting first days play for both teams!😃🏏

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿England: 395/9 after 92 overs, declared (1st innings)
🇿🇦South Africa: 17/0 after 6 overs (1st Innings)#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/zM2n0fpPPF

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 15, 2024

The match seemed on an even keel at that stage, but the tide turned in England’s favour with a vengeance when the South African spinners, principally Nonkululeko Mlaba, started bowling. The left-arm spinner, such a hero in the T20 World Cup, has looked short of rhythm throughout this England tour, and she repeatedly bowled way too short. Altogether the spinners bowled 10 overs for 80 runs during the session in which England plundered 189 runs in 33 overs. Well though Bouchier and Sciver-Brunt played, they were given too many freebies and were therefore able to score at six to the over without taking any risks.

Mlaba then turned her performance around when she changed ends and bowled with the wind behind her. Almost immediately she improved, bowling a better line and certainly a fuller length.

Her first victim was Bouchier, well caught at slip by Luus when she edged a drive to a ball that was floated up and turned. The 26-year-old departed for an excellent 126 in 154 balls, including 22 fours and two sixes.

Mlaba, encouraged by her big wicket, then had Danni Wyatt-Hodge caught behind after she delivered the perfect ball, pitched on a length and leaving the right-hander. There was then a brief relaxation of the grip of the spinners as Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones (39) added a brisk 76 for the fifth wicket before Sciver-Brunt was unlucky to be run out when Mlaba touched a drive from Jones onto the stumps with the batter out of her ground. Her 128 in 145 balls – her second test century – included 18 fours and was a thoroughly commanding innings.

Thereafter Mlaba grabbed two more wickets, Jones – who holed out into the deep – and Charlier Dean – who played on – as she finished with a test career best of 4/90 in 20 overs. She is a serious talent, and if she can learn to bowl more consistently she will be a real weapon for her country.

The second new ball, taken 10 overs after it was due, was finally taken and Kapp and then Hlubi claimed cheap wickets before the declaration which left the South African openers a worrisome six overs to survive, a task they performed more than adequately with Wolvaardt even unleashing one of her glamorous cover drives.

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi

ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (capt). Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.

A cracking half century from Tammy Beaumont upstaged a superb spell of bowling from Marizanne Kapp as England cruised to a comfortable six-wicket Duckworth-Lewis-Stern win over the Proteas to clinch the ODI series 2-1 at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom on Wednesday night.

It was a shortened chase for England, who were set 152 to win off 23 overs after the Proteas had batted first and managed 233-8 in their 50, only for lightning and rain to delay the start of the second innings for two and a half hours, leading to the reduced DLS chase.

Kapp then got the Proteas off to the perfect start with the ball, picking up two wickets in her first over and a third in her third, but she received barely any support from the rest of the bowling department as England eased home with 24 balls to spare.

Kapp finished with top figures of 3-24 in her five overs, but opener Beaumont batted through for the visitors, thumping 65* off 46 balls (10x4), while Dani Wyatt-Hodge, 22 off 16 (4x4) and Amy Jones, 49* off 36 (6x4) backed her up.

Series win!!! 🏆

We take the ODI series in South Africa 🤩 pic.twitter.com/2QE8UUYL6w

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 11, 2024

“I think we started well with the bat but came up short in the end. Lost a few too many wickets in clusters, like we did the other day, and then just couldn’t really maximise the last 10 overs,” explained Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt after the match.

“I think a score of 260 to 280 would have made the scores more interesting for this little T20 we had at the end. Defending six an over under lights in Potch was always going to be difficult.

“We knew the only way to get into it was to take wickets early, which we did. Kappy started brilliantly with the ball, couldn’t have asked for much more than that. But we failed to back her up with the ball.

“But we will take many learnings (from the series). It’s still a very young group. Individually we will do a lot of reflection, see where we can get better and fix what we did wrong. But it was a really strong performance from England. They have been a really tough competitor throughout the series.

KAPP ON SONG

The England chase got off to a poor start as Kapp had Maia Bouchier (4) caught by Nadine de Klerk at midwicket and Nat Sciver-Brunt caught for a second-ball duck by Anneke Bosch at point to reduce them to 4-2.

At the start of her third over she pinged the top of captain Heather Knight’s (6) off stump, as England slipped to 26-3.

Proteas captain Wolvaardt should probably have backed Kapp to bowl her full complement of fiver overs, but pulled her, which allowed England to recover, and although Kapp bowled her final two later in the innings it was when England were set and they saw her out comfortably.

Beaumont and Wyatt-Hodge shared 38 for the fourth wicket, before Chloe Tryon trapped Wyatt-Hodge LBW, with the score 63-4.

It was then the Beaumont and Jones show as they combined for a fantastic unbeaten 90-run fifth-wicket stand off just 66 balls to power their team home.

Tambo! 🔥

Lovely stuff. pic.twitter.com/C4r02GHQwu

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 11, 2024

SOLID FIFTY FROM WOLVAARDT

In the first innings it was a disappointing effort from the hosts, who were very well placed at 97-1 at a stage after a solid half century at the top of the order from Wolvaardt, but once she fell regular wickets throughout stunted their progress as they stumbled to their total.

Wolvaardt top scored for her side, cracking 61 off 68 balls (9x4), with Kapp (38) and Tryon (20) the next best efforts, along with a host of batters getting starts but falling for less than 20.

It's vintage Laura Wolvaardt in Potch 🤩⭐

📺 Stream #SAvENG on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw#HereForHer pic.twitter.com/AID0EvTXzu

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) December 11, 2024

The Proteas got off to a decent start as Wolvaardt and Lara Goodall (17) shared 50 for the first wicket, but Goodall looked a bit under pressure and after hitting Lauren Bell for four, slapped the next delivery straight to Beaumont at mid-on to become the first wicket of the day.

Bosch (19) was next in and she helped Wolvaardt keep the score chugging along, as the captain brought up her half century with lovely driven four through extra cover in the 20th over.

But just as they were setting up their side for a push at a big total, England fought back with a double strike in two overs, Alice Capsey having Bosch caught by Knight at short cover, and Wolvaardt trapped LBW by Sophie Ecclestone as they slipped to 107-3.

That kick-started a regular procession of wickets as Nadine de Klerk (14) was run out and Annerie Dercksen (13) was pinned LBW by Charlie Dean, leaving them on 156-5.

Kapp and Tryon then sparked hopes that they could get the Proteas to a strong total, combining for a 42-run sixth-wicket stand.

But both batters gave it away as Kapp hit Capsey straight down long-on’s throat, and Tryon came down the wicket to Ecclestone, missed the ball and was stumped by keeper Jones.

Masabata Klaas fell for a seven-ball duck, popping a catch to Sciver-Brunt off Dean, which was the third wicket to fall for three runs, as they crashed to 201-8.

But Mieke de Ridder (19*) and Nonkululeko Mlaba (16*) combined for a potentially valuable unbeaten 32-run ninth-wicket stand to see out the final seven and a half overs and give themselves a few extra runs.

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Lara Goodall, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Mieke de Ridder (wk), Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeto Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (capt), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Bell

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the Proteas Women’s squad for their historic one-off test against England, scheduled to take place at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein from 15 - 18 December.

The 15-player squad features one change from the group currently competing in the ICC Women’s Championship one-day international series. Tumi Sekhukhune of the DP World Lions comes in to replace Ayabonga Khaka, who is not part of the longer-format setup.

The squad also welcomes back the test-capped trio of Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, and Chloé Tryon, who were not part of the team for the previous test against India earlier this year.

The Proteas Women will face England in what will be the eighth four-day encounter between the two sides – marking South Africa’s first home test since March 2002. England have won two of the previous seven matches, while the remaining five, including the most recent clash in June 2022 in Taunton, ended in draws.

Proteas Women head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi commented: “I'm excited. It will go a long way for the ladies in terms of them understanding their game and what's needed in the longer version of the game. Getting an opportunity to play red-ball is good for our cricket and I'm looking forward to what they can bring.

“The measurables are quite simple for me, it's how much time you are willing to spend in the crease as a batter and how patient you are willing to be as a bowler. So it's all those things that we're going to speak about and if we can see it coming to fruition during the game, that will give us a big plus,”

Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez said: “We are thrilled to have another test match opportunity following the white-ball series. Maintaining an experienced core is essential to ensure we remain competitive and aim for a positive outcome.

"We reviewed the previous test squad and made adjustments to bring balance to the team. Lara adds versatility to the batting line-up as a left-hander, Hlubi provides variation as an impact seam bowler, and Tumi has been consistent in her past performances, offering control to the bowling attack alongside our other bowlers.”

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: The Proteas Women squad for the one-off Test against England has been announced 🇿🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#SAvENG | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/OsnvxlA0DT

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) December 10, 2024

Proteas Women test Squad - Inbound Tour against England (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder* (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

England levelled the three-match ODI series for women with a comfortable six-wicket victory over a below-par South Africa at the “Black Day” game at a sunny Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday.

The Black Day event, attended by a modest but enthusiastic crowd, was intended to raise awareness of gender-based violence.

After winning the toss, England put South Africa in to bat, restricting them to 135 all out in 31.3 overs with offspinner Charlie Dean helping to precipitate a middle-order collapse in which five wickets fell for four runs. The spinner won the player of the match award for her figures of 4/45 in 10 overs.

England chased down their modest target in 24 overs – less than half their allocation with openers Tammy Beaumont (34) and Maia Bouchier (33) setting up the innings with a partnership of 69 in 75 balls.

England did have a minor hiccup, losing three wickets for 13 runs midway through the innings, but a 49-run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danielle Wyatt-Hodge for the fourth wicket effectively saw the tourists over the line.

In general, the South Africans bowled way too short, with left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba (0/30 in five overs) particularly guilty. Annerie Dercksen (2/22) was the most successful bowler with Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk picking up a wicket apiece.

Earlier, England pace bowler Lauren Filer, bowling at a sharp pace in the mid-120s, had given her country the ideal start when she shattered the stumps of Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus in her first two overs to reduce South Africa to 14 for two. But then skipper Laura Wolvaardt, playing in her 100th ODI, and Dercksen settled in and raised a 50-run partnership for the third wicket without much fuss.

But then, with the total on 72, Dean struck with two soft dismissals. First Dercksen drove a half-volley straight to Filer at point, then, three balls later, Marizanne Kapp belted her straight to Sophie Ecclestone at mid-off.

Four runs later, Wolvaardt, in two minds whether to go back or forward, was bowled by Ecclestone for 35 (50 balls, 5x4s). Dean wasn’t finished however, as she next claimed the scalps of Nadine de Klerk (caught at slip) and Sinalo Jafta (leg before) in consecutive deliveries in her next over as South Africa plunged from 72 for two to 76 for seven.

Chloe Tryon saved some of South Africa’s blushes with a blazing 45 in 49 balls, including eight fours, before she became Ecclestone’s second victim, well caught at short leg by Beaumont. Ecclestone then finished off the innings by bowling Ayanda Hlubi to finish with 3/27 in 7.3 overs.

The ODI decider takes place in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. South Africa won the first clash by six wickets in Kimberley last Wednesday. The T20I series was won 3-0 by England.

The final match in the three-format tour, a four-day test, starts in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeto Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Ayanda Hlubi.

ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight (capt), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Lauren Filer

It's the return of Black Day, and the Proteas women will be aiming to shine when they take on England in the second ODI at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday, looking to clinch the three-match series with a game to play.

After being thumped three-nil in the T20I series by their English rivals, the Proteas enjoyed the perfect start to the ODI series by picking up an extremely comfortable six wicket win in the opening ODI in Kimberley on Wednesday.

That has set the hosts up to possibly secure a series win in style on what has become an incredibly important day on the South African cricket calendar, since the launch of the Black Day in 2020.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) launched their Black Day campaign to raise awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and to support women, with the campaign's proceeds set to go to a safe house for women in need.

This year the day is fittingly being held during the annual global 16 Days of Activism against GBV, which started on Monday November 25 and will end on Tuesday December 10.

KAPP KLAP

When CSA launched the Black Day in 2020, the first match was supposed to be between the Proteas women and Australia in April that year, only for Covid to hit which saw the launch delayed.

The first Black Day ODI then took place on 23rd January 2021 against Pakistan in at Kingsmead in Durban, which has become the home of the game.

In that match the Proteas claimed a 13-run win, thanks to player of the match Marizanne Kapp who hit and unbeaten 68 and picked up 3/44 with the ball, which put them 2-0 up on their way to a 3-0 series win over the visitors.

The second Black Day ODI took place on the 6th of February 2022, but had to be held at the Wanderers in Johannesburg due to a Covid bubble for their series against the West Indies.

In the match the Proteas cruised to a six wicket win that sealed a 2-1 series win over the visitors and kept their unbeaten Black Day streak alive.

BLACK DAY, WHITE FERNS

The third Black Day ODI was battled out back at its home of Kingsmead on the 1st of October last year, but unfortunately saw the Proteas suffer their first defeat on the special day.

New Zealand picked a six wicket win over the hosts, in what proved to be a consolation win in the series, as the Proteas still walked away with a 2-1 series win.

> > > FIXTURES v England Women < < <

The Proteas will now hope to get back to winning ways in their fourth Black Day match, against England on Sunday, and secure what would be a big series win over the second ranked team on the women’s ODI rankings.

I WILL NOT BE NEXT

This year the Black Day will carry a powerful theme of: "I Will Not Be Next," which echos the team's unwavering commitment to ending GBV.

The team will run onto the park at Kingsmead in their all black kit, that draws parallels with the annual Pink Day ODI that the Proteas men feature in every year.

All the Proteas women players have made personal pledges to mark the day, with bowler Masabata Klaas explaining her pledge and how important the day is to herself as well as the players and women in general around the world.

“I will use my platform to be a strong and loud voice in partnership with women who work to end all forms of gender-based violence,” said Klaas.

“As cricketers, we are given a platform that many people don’t have. I believe it is my responsibility to use that platform not only for the game I love but also to stand for the things I believe in.

“Playing in the Black Day ODI is an honour. It’s a reminder that we are not just playing for runs and wickets, we are playing for every woman and child who deserves to live a life with no violence. That is what motivates us to give everything we have on the field.”

A CORNERSTONE

CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki also weighed in on the importance of the event, saying: “Black Day has become one of our cornerstones of our commitment to tackling societal issues. It showcases the incredible power of sport to bring people together to highlight a plight that is affecting a lot of South Africans.”

In all it is set to be an incredibly important day for the number of reasons, with the headlining one being the fight against GBV.

On a professional front the Proteas women will be gunning for a second straight win to help them recover after they were completely outplayed in the T20I series.

They would also be eager to seal the ODI series ahead of the final game at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom next Wednesday, and take some good momentum into the one-off test against England getting under way at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein next Sunday.

Durban, it’s time to show up! 🖤 🏏🇿🇦

Nonkululeko Mlaba is calling on you to pack Hollywoodbets Kingsmead this Sunday for the #EndGBV Black Day game, as the Proteas Women take on England in the second ODI of the series.

Let’s stand together, make some noise, and support a… pic.twitter.com/WEOJADeaVH

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 5, 2024

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How to watch

Catch the match from 9:55am on Sunday on Variety 4.

Highlights will be available on Catch Up and SuperSport.com.

Commentary will be in English, plus isiXhosa and Afrikaans.

ALL HIGHLIGHTS AFTER THE GAME

All highlights will be available on our website and in the app. Create your free profile or sign in to get notifications and a customised experience.

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South Africa’s skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, played the sheet anchor and Nadine de Klerk the aggressor as they steered their team to a thumping six-wicket victory over England in the first women’s ODI at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley on Wednesday.

The victory, in the first of three matches, was particularly welcome for the South Africans after they had been whitewashed 3-0 in the T20I series by the tourists.

Wolvaardt, who was on the field at a baking Diamond Oval for every minute of the match, finished on 59 not out in 114 balls, including seven fours, her 33rd ODI fifty.

She received some invaluable support from 23-year-old Natalie Dercksen (27 in 40 balls) in a third-wicket partnership of 58, and from Marizanne Kapp (22 at a run a ball including the game’s only six) and finally De Klerk who dominated an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 53 in 39 balls with a ferocious 48 in just 28 balls (11x4s) to take South Africa home with the luxury of 11.4 overs to spare.

Incredible from the Proteas Women 👏🔥

They take a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against England 🇿🇦🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#SAvENG | #SummerOfCricket pic.twitter.com/LDmK78ZY34

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) December 4, 2024

There were times when the South Africans had to grind it out against the likes of England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone (0-29 in 10 overs) on a slow uneven pitch that didn’t encourage flowing strokeplay, but they played sensibly knowing that they had earlier dismissed England for a below-par 186 in 38.4 overs.

Wolvaardt, who survived two chances, battled gamely early on after she lost two top-order batters, Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus, cheaply to leg before decisions that were not tested by ball-tracking on review as that machinery had broken down.

But Dercksen, Kapp and De Klerk all gave their captain excellent assistance as South Africa established an early advantage in the series.

KAPP AND DERCKSEN RESTRICT ENGLAND

Earlier, pace bowlers Kapp and Dercksen shared six wickets as South Africa dismissed England for 186 after the tourists had won the toss and opted to bat first.

Despite South Africa’s relative success, they could and probably should have dismissed England for fewer runs with Charlie Dean (47*) and Ecclestone bailing out the tourists with a record eighth-wicket partnership for England against South Africa of 67 in 69 balls.

Wolvaardt may have missed a trick after Kapp claimed 3-14 in a dynamic start for South Africa.

Kapp, swinging the ball away from the right-handed batter, grabbed the wickets of both England openers Tammy Beaumont and Sophie Dunkley, as well as the key scalp of Natalie Sciver-Brunt, leg before for a duck.

But then, with the new ball still swinging for her appreciably, Wolvaardt chose to take off her prize pacer.

And when she returned after 28 overs, Kapp was unable to swing the ball and went for 10 in the only over of her second spell.

Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed two wickets, but they were expensive as she conceded 47 runs.

Mlaba was wayward when she wasn’t penetrative and she and untidy wicketkeeping from Sinalo Jafta were jointly responsible for many of the 26 extras, including 22 wides.

As the fierce heat in Kimberley began to kick in, South Africa began to wilt in the heat and Dean, in particular, and Ecclestone began to make the hosts pay with a calm partnership that took England from a fragile 106 for seven to 173 for eight.

England captain Heather Knight held the England innings together in the early going when the tourists suffered a mini-collapse, compiling a valuable 40 in 63 balls.

But after she fell, leg before to Mlaba when attempting to sweep, it looked like England would be dismissed for less than 150.

That was the signal for the Dean/Ecclestone partnership to give the England bowlers something to bowl at.

The fans are out to support our Proteas Women in Kimberley!😃

Always a fun time when cricket meets the summer sun.🏏☀️👏#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/EHky1h2wbP

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) December 4, 2024

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Suné Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloé Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Ayanda Hlubi

ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Sophia Dunkley, Heather Knight (capt), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell

• SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha joins the GBVF Response Fund’s clarion call to stand united in the fight against GBV.
• The Proteas Women’s ODI clash with England is set to headline Black Day 2024, where Your World of Champions amplifies the fight against GBV (gender-based violence).

As part of its commitment to the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), SuperSport actively raises awareness and advocates for change across its platforms during the annual 16 Days of Activism against GBV - a global campaign from 25 November to 10 December 2024.

As part of SuperSport’s support for 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha joined the GBVF Response Fund’s clarion call to stand united in the fight against GBV.

The GBVF Response Fund aims to collaborate with various partners and stakeholders in joint efforts to enable the fulfilment of the Fund’s mandate and generate a tangible impact in fostering a safer South Africa for women, children, persons with disabilities, key and vulnerable populations, and the community at large.

Other top leaders who participated alongside Ramovha, included Nolitha Fakude, Anglo President, Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN, Taelo Mojapelo, CEO of BP, Shirley Machaba CEO of PwC as well as Nomsa Chabeli, Group CEO of SABC.

Ramovha emphasised the organisation's dedication to these causes, stating, "Addressing GBV is important to MultiChoice because it means we are helping make society better for everyone."

“It’s a privilege to use the SuperSport platform as a vehicle that amplifies the call for an end to violence against women and children and bringing a shift in attitudes towards equitability.”

In addition to supporting the 16 Days of Activism, Your World of Champions will be supporting Cricket South Africa (CSA) together with the Proteas Women for the Black Day one-day international (ODI) match against England Women, taking place on 8 December 2024, at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban.

Fans attending the match are encouraged to wear black to represent their support for the campaign and to take an active stand against gender-based violence.

SuperSport remains dedicated to using its platform to drive positive change, leveraging sport and media to create meaningful conversations around the issues that matter most.

“SuperSport believes in the power of sports as a catalyst for positive social change. By supporting the Black Day and the 16 Days of Activism campaign, we seek to leverage our platform and reach to promote awareness, inspire proactive participation and create conversations on gender-based violence,” Ramovha added.

SuperSport’s viewers are encouraged to support this initiative and tune into the momentous Black Day activities as the broader SuperSport community takes a clear stance against gender-based violence.

As Africa’s foremost broadcaster and a global leader in sports entertainment, SuperSport is steadfast in its support of the GBVF campaign and Black Day.

England Women produced a powerful all-round performance to seal a 3-0 series whitewash as they absolutely crushed the Proteas by nine wickets in the third T20 International at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday night.

After a strong bowling and fielding performance saw them restrict the Proteas to a well below-par 124 all out on a good batting wicket, their top three then delivered the fireworks as they powered to the win with a massive 51 balls to spare.

The Proteas now have to try and pick themselves up for the three-match ODI series starting in Kimberley on Wednesday, where they will hope to pick up their first win.

“We were completely outplayed, and you have to give credit where it is due. England played really well over the whole T20 series, and we just didn’t play well today,” said Proteas stand-in captain Chloe Tryon, who took over after Laura Wolvaardt withdrew due to illness.

“At two-nil down (in the series) we wanted to find some energy from somewhere. We had some chats after the last game, and we were really disappointed with the way we bowled.

“So as a unit today we thought it was the perfect opportunity to show a little bit of character and take some momentum into the 50-over series.

“But we were completely outplayed. We have a lot of youngsters coming through and putting up their hands which is good to see. So, it is a good opportunity for them, and it is important for us to build some depth. Unfortunately, it just didn’t go our way this series.”

BOUCHIER DOMINATION

Earlier, the England chase began with opener Maia Bouchier completely dominating the powerplay as she crunched five fours and a six on her way to 35 off 21 balls.

Just before the end of the powerplay, Bouchier was snagged by a phenomenal catch by Nondumiso Shangase who plucked the ball out of the air one handed after it looked like the ball from Ayanda Hlubi was heading over mid-on to the boundary, with the score 56 for one.

Dani Wyatt-Hodge then took centre stage to slam her second straight half-century, her boundary in the 12th over taking her to an unbeaten 53 off 31 balls, having crunched 10 fours and a six along the way.

Her unbeaten 72-run second-wicket stand with Sophia Dunkley, 24no off 17 (3x4; 1x6), continued the dominant start that her fellow opener kickstarted, as they cruised home in style.

At the start of play, England won the toss and chose to bowl, with them getting off to a great start that helped them restrict the Proteas to the lowest score of the T20I series.

The Proteas' innings got off to an absolutely dreadful start as they lost four wickets in the powerplay and one just after to slump to 45 for five in the eighth over.

Anneke Bosch was bowled for a golden duck by a yorker from Lauren Filer in the first over, while Faye Tunnicliffe (1) skied Lauren Bell to Maia Bouchier at short mid-wicket in the next as they slipped to 3/2.

Annerie Dercksen, 19 off 12 balls (4x4) and Sune Luus, 21 off 17 (5x4) looked to counterattack as they hammered a few boundaries off the few overs, but at the end of the fourth, Dercksen got a leading edge to a ball from Bell straight to Nat Sciver-Brunt at mid-on, leaving them on 25 for three.

In the final over of the powerplay, Luus crunched three boundaries off Charlie Dean, but then gave it away as she tamely chipped her to captain Heather Knight at short extra cover as they slipped to 42 for four.

Stand-in captain Chloe Tryon (1) continued the procession in the eight over as she hit Dean straight to Knight at extra cover, leaving the Proteas in deep trouble.

However, Nondumiso Shangase (31) and Nadine de Klerk (19) battled back for the hosts as they tried to get their side to a defendable total.

FLURRY OF WICKETS

Both scored at less than a run-a-ball but crucially combined for a 52-run sixth-wicket partnership to get the Proteas almost to the 100-run mark.

But another flurry of wickets set the Proteas back again, as they lost three for 10 runs in 10 balls, starting with Shangase, stumped by keeper Amy Jones when losing track of the ball after inside edging it from Freya Kemp onto herself in the 16th over.

New batter Sinalo Jafta (4) was run out in the 17th and De Klerk found Bouchier at cover off the bowling of Dean at the start of the 18th, leaving them on 107 for eight.

Eliz-Mari Marx (12) was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone in the 19th, while Ayanda Hlubi (7) was run out off the final ball of the innings to end off a poor showing with the bat from the hosts.

Dean, 3-26, and Bell, 2-24, were the pick of an impressive bowling performance from the visitors.

SOUTH AFRICA: Faye Tunnicliffe, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon (capt), Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Eliz-mari Marx, Tumi Sekhukhune, Ayanda Hlubi

ENGLAND: Maia Bouchier, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (capt), Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell

In just ten days, the Proteas Women will take to the field on Sunday, 8 December at the Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium in Durban for the fourth annual Black Day one-day international (ODI).

This year, the highly anticipated match against England carries the powerful theme of "I Will Not Be Next," echoing the team's unwavering commitment to ending gender-based violence (GBV).

Since its inception, Black Day has become more than just a cricketing fixture. It’s a symbol of unity, hope, and resilience, using the platform of sport to spark meaningful conversations and inspire collective action. As the Proteas Women gear up for this historic match, the team has embraced personal pledges to amplify their voices and create change.

For Proteas Women bowler Masabata Klaas, the day holds significance. Her pledge, “I will use my platform to be a strong and loud voice in partnership with women who work to end all forms of gender-based violence,” embodies her passion and commitment to using cricket as a force for good.

Reflecting on the importance of her pledge, Klaas shares, “As cricketers, we are given a platform that many people don’t have. I believe it is my responsibility to use that platform not only for the game I love but also to stand for the things I believe in.”

Klaas also expressed the pride the team feels when they step out in their symbolic black kits on Black Day. “Playing in the Black Day ODI is an honour. It’s a reminder that we are not just playing for runs and wickets; we are playing for every woman and child who deserves to live a life with no violence. That is what motivates us to give everything we have on the field.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO Pholetsi Moseki emphasised the importance of the event: “Black Day has become one of our cornerstones of our commitment to tackling societal issues. It showcases the incredible power of sport to bring people together to highlight a plight that is affecting a lot of South Africans.”

As the countdown begins, CSA and the Proteas Women urge fans to join the conversation online using the hashtags #IWillNotBeNext #ENDGBV and attend the match in all black to stand in solidarity against GBV. Together, through collective action and awareness, the Proteas Women hope to inspire lasting change.

Tickets are available on www.cricket.co.za or via the stadium’s ticket office. The match will also be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC TV and Radio from 10h00.

Proteas Women IWC ODI Squad - Inbound Tour against England (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

England Women produced a top performance to crush the Proteas Women by 36 runs in the second T20 International at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Wednesday night to secure the three-game series with a match to play.

After losing the opener by four wickets in the opening match in East London on Sunday, the Proteas needed to bounce back with a win, but were completely outplayed as they surrendered the series ahead of the final game at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday.

Batting first, half centuries from Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt powered England to a big 204-4 in their 20 overs, before Sarah Glenn led the bowling effort picking up 4-20 to help restrict the Proteas to 168-6 in response.

England Women come out on top in Benoni to win the three-match T20 series with a game to spare 🏏🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#SAvENG | #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/sR6prZXCq6

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) November 27, 2024

“It was probably not our best performance all-round,” admitted a disappointed Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt after the match.

“I think we let them get too many with the bat, we didn’t take our chances in the field and it wasn’t our best effort with the bat either.

“I think we got carried away by the extra bounce, maybe went a bit too short and wide (with the ball). It felt like a lot of runs were scored through the offside and when I was batting they really tucked me up quite well and bowled in good areas. So they executed a lot better on this wicket.

“It should be a similar surface on the weekend (at SuperSport Park), so I think we can definitely look at where we went wrong and rectify a lot.”

In the chase the Proteas needed to get off to a good start, but opener Tazmin Brits sliced Sciver-Brunt to Charlie Dean at mid-wicket as they slipped to 1-1 in the first over.

Wolvaardt (25) and Faye Tunnicliffe (22) then struggled in the face of some disciplined England bowling as they ended the powerplay on 30-1.

Tunnicliffe’s tough 28-ball stay finally came to an end in the eighth over, bowled by Glenn, with the score 43-2.

Annerie Dercksen, 24 off 15 balls (2x4; 2x6), tried to spark something by cracking back-to-back sixes off Freya Kemp at the start of the ninth over, but in the next, after hitting back-to-back fours, Wolvaardt sliced Dean to Lauren Filer at short third as they slipped to 66-3.

That brought Chloe Tryon, 30 off 24 (4x4; 1x6), in and along with Dercksen they needed a big stand to get their side close, but their chances effectively ended in the 12th over when Glenn bowled Dercksen and Nondumiso Shangase off consecutive balls to reduce them to 86-5.

Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, 32* off 21 (4x4; 1x6), and Sinalo Jafta, 17* off nine (2x4; 1x6), struck some lusty blows down the back end of the innings, but the rate required was too high and they fell well short in the end.

ENGLAND CAPITALISE ON LIFELINES

Earlier, the Proteas had only themselves to blame after a terrible bowling and fielding performance gave Wyatt-Hodge, dropped on nine and 29, and Sciver-Brunt, dropped on 25, lifelines.

Those reprieves allowed Wyatt-Hodge to hammer 15 fours and a six on her way to 75 off 45 balls, while Sciver-Brunt cracked nine fours and a six in an unbeaten 67 off 43 to get their side to an extremely daunting total.

At the start of play the Proteas won the toss and chose to bowl, which looked to be the correct call after they got off to a good start.

In the second over Ayanda Hlubi, having been hit for back-to-back boundaries by Maia Bouchier (9), had her caught by Brits at mid-wicket, and then bowled new batter Sophia Dunkley off an inside edge for a second-ball duck to reduce them to 15-2.

But that was basically as good as it got for the Proteas as Wyatt-Hodge and Sciver-Brunt combined for a 112-run third-wicket partnership.

However, Wyatt-Hodge should have been gone at the end of the third over, after getting a thick edge to a ball from De Klerk, but keeper Jafta, who put in the dive and got a good glove to it, shelled the chance.

Having reached the end of the powerplay on 48-2, Wyatt-Hodge received her second lifeline at the start of the seventh over, top edging Dercksen to deep third where Nonkululeko Mlaba let the ball go through her hands.

That allowed her to kick on and she cruised to her half century in style in the next over, launching a Mlaba full toss back over her head for six and powering a four through the covers.

So good, Danni Wyatt-Hodge 👊

Match centre: https://t.co/A2qI6HgI7D#SAvENG | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/47JqX38cpI

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 27, 2024

At the start of the 11th over England brought up the 100, followed by Sciver-Brunt top edging Mlaba to short fine leg where Hlubi dropped her as things went from bad to worse.

Wyatt-Hodge finally fell in the 13th over, bowled by De Klerk, but the carnage continued as captain Heather Knight, 26 off 19 (3x4), and Sciver-Brunt combined for a 54-run stand.

Sciver-Brunt brought up her fifty in the 16th over with back-to-back fours off Eliz-Mari Marx, while Knight fell at the start of the 19th, popping a return catch to bowler De Klerk, but that didn’t phase England as they finished strong.

Another one 🤯#SAvENG | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/OdD6RDSbKG

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 27, 2024

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Faye Tunnicliffe, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi

ENGLAND: Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Sohpia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (capt), Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Filer

The Proteas Women will be looking to bounce back and level the three-match series in the second T20 International (T20I) against England at the Willowmoore Park Stadium on Wednesday, following a narrow four-wicket defeat in East London. 

With both teams showcasing moments of brilliance in the series opener, an intriguing contest awaits fans in Benoni.

The encounter will get under way from 6pm SAST, with the action broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC TV and Radio.

Benoni, are you ready? 🇿🇦🔥

The Proteas Women are set to light up Willowmoore Park as they take on England in the second T20I of the series! 🏏

🎟️ Get your tickets now on: https://t.co/jYPifalyRB#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/zvM2PB0RzG

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) November 26, 2024

Eliz-Mari Marx’s career-best figures of 3-19 was the standout performance for South Africa in the opening game.

Her disciplined stump-to-stump bowling dismissed key players, including England captain Heather Knight.

Despite her efforts and an all-round display of 29* and 2-20 from Nadine de Klerk, the Proteas fell short of defending their total of 142-5, as England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt guided her team to victory with a commanding 59 off 54 balls (7 fours).

Reflecting on her performance, Marx credited her success to meticulous preparation and a focus on improving her bowling skills during her time away from international cricket.

“I take a lot of confidence from that performance. It’s always exciting to pick up big scalps and contribute to the team. it's a tough exclusion not to go to the World Cup but it gave me time to work on the things that I wanted to work on for a long time” she noted.

Speaking to the media, Marx highlighted the need for better consistency in both batting and bowling to help the Proteas Women level the series.

“If we look at the batting side, obviously losing wickets in clusters didn't help us. Also, from a bowling point of view, tightening up a little bit in the boundary balls. Those are some of the small areas of improvement needed to level the series tomorrow,” the allrounder added.

While the Proteas are unlikely to make significant changes to their line-up, the playing conditions at Willowmoore Park could influence team strategy.

The pitch is expected to offer more bounce compared to Buffalo Park, potentially favouring pace bowlers.

Marx noted, “We’ll assess the conditions during training and adapt accordingly.”

The absence of experienced campaigners like Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp, who have been rested for this T20I series, adds to the challenge for the Proteas Women.

Meanwhile, Chloe Tryon, who arrived from the Women’s Big Bash in Australia just a day before the opening match, missed the first game but is back in contention for the remainder of the series.

The seasoned players’ unavailability offers a valuable opportunity for the youngsters in the squad to step up and showcase their talent on the international stage.

“Obviously, we lose experience. But it's also time for some younger players to put up their hands and try and perform. It's big shoes to fill but we try our best every game we take the field,” she commented.

PROTEAS WOMEN T20I SQUAD

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province)

FIXTURES

T20s

Wednesday, 27 November at 6pm - 2nd T20I: South Africa v England - Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Saturday, 30 November at 6pm - 3rd T20I: South Africa v England - SuperSport Park, Centurion

IWC ODI Series

Wednesday, 4 December at 2pm - 1st IWC ODI: South Africa v England - Kimberley Oval, Kimberley

Sunday, 8 December at 10am - 2nd Black Day ODI: South Africa v England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Wednesday, 11 December at 2om - 3rd IWC ODI: South Africa v England – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

ONLY TEST

Sunday, 15 – Wednesday, 18 December at 10am - Only test: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Nat Sciver-Brunt scored a wonderful half-century to guide the England Women to a comfortable four-wicket victory over the Proteas Women in the first Women’s T20 International at Buffalo Park in East London on Sunday afternoon.

With the scores level at the start of the final over, player of the match Sciver-Brunt flicked Eliz-Mari Marx (3.2-0-20-3) straight to Nonkululeko Mlaba at short fine-leg after a wonderful 59 from 54 balls as England ended on 143 for six with four balls to spare in response to South Africa’s 142 for five, having being sent in to bat first by Heather Knight.

Sciver-Brunt’s experience and seven boundaries, along with a key-stand of 50 from 38 balls with Amy Jones (31), turned the tide in England’s favour.

The Proteas’ bowlers, led by Marx and Nadine de Klerk (4-0-20-2), tried valiantly to put pressure on the powerful English line-up.

However, an unforgettable afternoon for seamer Ayanda Hlubi relieved the pressure as the right-armer conceded four no-balls, three of which came in the first over, as well as conceding 22 runs in her third over to finish with 0-40 from her three overs.

Jones in particular took a liking to Hlubi, striking four boundaries and a six from just 19 balls to give England the edge they needed in a tight match played on a tricky pitch, before seeing her offstump rattled by a delivery from Nondumiso Shangase (3-0-20-1).

De Klerk’s introduction into the attack brought about immediate success as she clean-bowled Danni Wyatt-Hodge for 11.

Marx followed suite, seeing the back of Maia Bouchier for a well-played 20.

De Klerk then had Sophia Dunkley (4) paddling a slower ball to Sinalo Jafta behind the stumps.

Marx had the crowd in raptures as she bowled Knight for just a single but then Sciver-Brunt and Jones set about relieving the pressure and handing the initiative to the visitors.

NSB doing NSB things💥#SAvENG | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/5d23jy2dkT

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 24, 2024

SOUTH AFRICA IMPLODE

Earlier, Laura Wolvaardt (22) and Tazmin Brits (15) gave the home side a steady start with an opening effort of 35 from 34 balls.

But then the South African line-up decided to start imploding. Wolvaardt came down the track, after striking three fours, and was castled by Charlie Dean (4-0-21-2).

Brits followed shortly thereafter, dancing down the pitch to be stumped by Jones from the bowling of Sophie Ecclestone (4-0-18-1).

Anneke Bosch struck two boundaries and a six but then lost her head, missing a straight one from seamer Freya Kemp (2-0-15-1) after 12 balls to fall for 18.

Sune Luus struggled and fell without scoring to Dean before Annerie Dercksen (26 not out) and Shanagase (16) steadied the rocking ship with a calm stand of 36 from 40 balls before Shangase drove Sarah Glenn (3-0-23-1) straight down the ground and into the hands of Ecclestone.

Enter De Klerk, who struck four boundaries and scored an unbeaten 29 from 16 balls to give the South African innings some impetus.

The pair added 42 much-need runs from just 28 balls to give the Proteas a par score under sunny skies and windy conditions.

🔄 | Change Of Innings

Strong end to our innings with the bat!💪

🇿🇦South Africa post 142/5 in our 20 overs
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿England will need to chase 143 runs to win#AlwaysRising #WozaNawe#BePartOfIt #SAvENG pic.twitter.com/5LHPwHkwxn

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) November 24, 2024

The teams now travel to Benoni for the second of three T20 Internationals before moving on to three one-day internationals and a solitary test.

SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nondumiso Shangase, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Eliz-Mari Marx, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayanda Hlubi.

ENGLAND: Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Maia Bouchier, Sohpia Dunkley, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (capt), Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Bell.

For Faye Tunnicliffe, the journey back to the Proteas Women’s T20 International (T20I) squad has been anything but straightforward.

The 25-year-old from Cape Town is set to don the green and gold again as South Africa gear up to face England in an upcoming three-match series from 24 - 30 November in East London, Benoni and Tshwane.

Having last represented South Africa in March 2021 away against India, Tunnicliffe’s return marks a new chapter in her cricketing story - one shaped by persistence, passion, and an unwavering competitive spirit.

“I feel like I’ve had a lot of growth over the last three, four years,” Tunnicliffe reflected. “All the hard work, and my persistence - being quite stubborn with my goal - is starting to pay off. But this isn’t the end goal. The end goal is to perform and contribute.”

PLAYING IN THE BACKYARD

Tunnicliffe’s love for cricket was born in the backyard, playing garden cricket with her father. “My dad and I were always very competitive, whether it was cricket, squash, or golf. That’s where my competitive nature came from,” she shared.

One of her fondest memories is from primary school in Greyton, where as a six-year-old, she took a one-handed catch during a game of mixed cricket.

However, the turning point came in Grade 5, when a friend told her that cricket was for boys. Her response was simple but resolute: “Tell coach I’ll be at the next practice.” That bold decision was the beginning of a journey that saw her thrive in boys’ cricket teams through her high school years at Somerset College, where she developed her skills in a highly competitive environment.

“It was really competitive playing in the boys’ team,” she recalls. “They didn’t hold back. They thought, well, this is a goal, possibly keeping me out of the team. So let's see if we can bounce her out of the net.”

Her academic path at ETA College further supported her cricketing ambitions. “I did a three-year diploma in Sport and Exercise Science, and I’m also qualified in Sports Nutrition,” she said. “I wanted to know why I had to do heavy squats and deadlifts. It’s all helped with my game.”

INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

Tunnicliffe’s international debut in 2018 came as something of a whirlwind. “I felt like a deer in the headlights,” she admitted. “But what an experience. Not many people get a call saying, ‘In four days, you’ll be debuting for your country in one of the most beautiful parts of the world.’”

The match, against the West Indies ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018, saw her join a side brimming with iconic players like Marizanne Kapp, Lizelle Lee and Mignon du Preez. “I feel very lucky to have been in the mix with such amazing players,” she said.

Tunnicliffe’s last international appearance, in 2021, was a bittersweet memory. Despite recording a career-best 18, it marked the start of a three-year hiatus from the Proteas squad.

But rather than dwell on the setback, the allrounder, who has also kept wicket on six occasions in T20I cricket for South Africa, channelled her energy into her domestic career with World Sports Betting Western Province and the SA Emerging side, which won silver at the 2024 African Games’ Women’s T20 tournament in Ghana as part of Team SA.

Her recall to the national team comes after years of relentless effort and self-belief. “Being back here is awesome,” she beamed. “I feel really honoured. It’s a reminder that hard work does pay off.”

MULTIFACETED

Away from the pitch, Tunnicliffe is as multifaceted as they come. She's an avid wildlife enthusiast who finds solace in visiting game parks and being a manager at a gym in Cape Town. She’s also a talented guitarist, having played for over 14 years. “I’d love to start a band one day,” she said with a smile.

When asked about her cricketing idol, she didn’t hesitate: “Sachin Tendulkar. Not only was he an amazing cricketer, but his philosophy of being a good person before being a good cricketer resonates with me.”

As Tunnicliffe prepares to face England, she does so with the wisdom of experience and the hunger of a young player eager to make her mark. “The end goal is to perform and contribute,” she reiterated.

Proteas Women's T20I Squad - Inbound Tour v England (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province)

FIXTURES 

T20I Series

Sunday, 24 November at 2pm - 1st T20I: South Africa v England - Buffalo Park Stadium, East London

Wednesday, 27 November at 6pm - 2nd T20I: South Africa v England - Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Saturday, 30 November at 6pm - 3rd T20I: South Africa v England - SuperSport Park, Centurion

IWC ODI Series

Wednesday, 4 December at 2pm - 1st IWC ODI: South Africa v England - Kimberley Oval, Kimberley

Sunday, 8 December at 10am - 2nd Black Day ODI: South Africa v England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Wednesday, 11 December at 2pm  - 3rd IWC ODI: South Africa v England – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Only test

Sunday, 15 – Wednesday, 18 December at 10am - Only test: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Courtney Winfield-Hill will join the England Women coaching set-up as an assistant coach for the upcoming tour to South Africa and the 2025 Women’s Ashes.

The 37-year-old is currently coaching with Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and will link up with the group in South Africa at the conclusion of her commitments in Australia.

Winfield-Hill was part of the England Women coaching group for the tour to Ireland in September and worked with Trent Rockets in this summer’s Women’s Hundred.

She previously held a regional academy coach role for Northern Diamonds and assistant coach roles with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League and England Women’s A and U19 squads.

As a player, the Australia-born pace bowler represented home state Queensland Fire as well as Brisbane Heat.

After moving to England in 2018, she led Leeds Rhinos to a Grand Final and Challenge Cup double in 2019. She represented England at the Rugby League World Cup in 2022 having qualified on residency and currently works for the sport’s governing body as Senior Women and Girls’ Partner.

Winfield-Hill said: “I am really proud to be a part of the set-up. Since working with England teams, I have been made to feel nothing but welcomed and feel the ECB have invested in developing me as a coach.

“The development of the domestic game over the last five years has been brilliant to watch and I have taken a lot from recent involvements with the England A, development games and the Ireland tour.

“South Africa and the Ashes are two exciting series’ and I am really looking forward to linking up and working with the group.”

Director of England Women's Cricket Jonathan Finch added: “Courtney has played such an important role in developing the up-and-coming players on our international pathway and adds tremendous value in any environment she is part of.

She will bring a different outlook on the game into the coaching team which will ensure the support we provide to players continually moves forward in what will be an exciting period for the senior team.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA) have announced the Proteas Women’s squads for the forthcoming T20 International (T20I) and ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) one-day international (ODI) series against England from 24 November - 11 December in East London, Benoni, Tshwane, Kimberley, Durban and Potchefstroom.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to announce the Proteas Women’s squads for the forthcoming T20 International (T20I) and ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) one-day international (ODI) series against England from 24 November - 11 December in East London, Benoni, Tshwane,… pic.twitter.com/hAEzk31b53

— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) November 11, 2024

The Proteas will also play England in a historic test match at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein between 15 - 18 December, the first women’s test held in South Africa since 19 March 2002. The squad for this landmark test will be announced during the white-ball series.

Tickets are available online through TicketPro or at the stadium, priced between R20 and R80. The matches will also be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC.

The T20I squad comprises 14 players, with three additions from the team that reached the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Allrounders Eliz-Mari Marx and Nondumiso Shangase join the group alongside World Sports Betting Western Province batter Faye Tunnicliffe, who makes her return to the national squad for the first time since 2021.

This trio will be in for Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, who are rested for this series, as well as wicketkeeper batter Mieke de Ridder. Additionally, Seshnie Naidu will focus on her academic commitments as she completes her matric exams while aiming to represent the SA U19s at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia in January next year.

The 15-player ODI squad, which is focused on securing IWC points and featuring in the fourth annual CSA Black Day ODI, welcomes back fast bowler Ayanda Hlubi, marking her first 50-over call-up since February’s tour to Australia. Left-hander Lara Goodall, who recently reached her 50th ODI cap in April, returns after missing the ODI series against India.

Kapp, Khaka, and De Ridder will also rejoin the squad for this decisive series, with the experienced Masabata Klaas back in contention for the one-dayers despite missing out on the T20 World Cup.

In the current ICC Women’s Championship (2022-2025) standings, South Africa sits fourth with 23 points from 21 matches, trailing England by five points with three matches to play for both teams. The top five sides, along with host nation India, will qualify automatically for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

Proteas Women interim head coach Dillon du Preez commented: “Everyone is looking forward to the multi-format series against England, and we know it's not going to be an easy one. It's always a tough series against them. We know that we need to make sure that our planning is spot on and so far it's been interesting.

“We would like to have the same approach as we had in the recent T20 World Cup. We would still like to grow as a team and continue working on our T20 playing philosophy. So we decided to give one or two players a chance in the T20I series to prove themselves and also to give us a chance to look at what stock we have available and what skill we need to work on.

Proteas Women Convenor of Selectors Clinton du Preez said: “I would like to wish the team well with this upcoming series on the back of a bittersweet T20 World Cup. I am very confident that the players will have a very successful tour on home soil.

“The selection focused on white-ball cricket, with the T20I series giving us a great platform to provide opportunities to some players who have been on the radar, based on their performances over the last year. The ODIs allow us to continue with our preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup and to solidify our position in the ICC Women's Championship.

“Faye Tunnicliffe has put in some prolific and impacting performances for her province and has been making steady progress at recently held national camps. Lara Goodall has shown some positive strides domestically and we are positive that she will be in a position to impact the ODI series with her skill.

"Nondumiso Shangase brings her domestic experience into play with her right arm-off spin and batting capabilities,” he concluded.

Proteas Women T20I Squad - Inbound Tour v England (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province)

Proteas Women IWC ODI Squad - Inbound Tour v England (2024/25)

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

Fixtures – Proteas Women’s Inbound Tour v England (24 November - 15 December)

T20I Series

Sunday, 24 November at 2pm - 1st T20I: South Africa v England - Buffalo Park Stadium, East London

Wednesday, 27 November at 6pm - 2nd T20I: South Africa v England - Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Saturday, 30 November at 6pm - 3rd T20I: South Africa v England - SuperSport Park, Centurion

IWC ODI Series

Wednesday, 04 December at 2pm - 1st IWC ODI: South Africa v England - Kimberley Oval, Kimberley

Sunday, 08 December at 10am - 2nd Black Day ODI: South Africa v England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Wednesday, 11 December at 2pm - 3rd IWC ODI: South Africa v England – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Only test

Sunday, 15 – Wednesday, 18 December at 10am - Only test: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

Heather Knight’s side will contest three IT20s, three ODIs and a four-day test match against the Proteas.

IT20 ✅
ODI ✅
Test ✅

We've named three squads for England Women's all-format tour to South Africa 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇿🇦

Click the image below to see who's on the plane 👇

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) November 8, 2024

Allrounder Paige Scholfield made her senior international debut in the September bilateral series in Ireland and is included in the T20 squad. Fast bowler Lauren Filer is named in all three squads.

Freya Kemp is selected in a test squad for the first time while batter Maia Bouchier could also earn her maiden test cap. The four-day test match in Bloemfontein will be the first time South Africa has hosted a women’s test match since 2002.

All selected players, minus those currently competing in the Women’s Big Bash League, have been training at Loughborough in the build-up to the series before the IT20 group fly to South Africa on 16 November. Meanwhile, those in the ODI and test squads arrive in South Africa on 27 November.

Allrounder Danielle Gibson misses out on the squad following an operation on her left knee meniscus injury sustained during the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match against West Indies.

England Women IT20 squad: Heather Knight (captain), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Paige Scholfield, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

England Women ODI squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

England Women test match squad: Heather Knight (captain), Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Kate Cross, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

ENGLAND WOMEN TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA FIXTURES

IT20 series

Sunday, 24 November: South Africa v England – Buffalo Park Cricket Stadium, East London

Wednesday, 27 November: South Africa v England – Willowmoore Park, Benoni

Saturday, 30 November: South Africa v England – SuperSport Park, Centurion

ODI series

Wednesday, 4 December: South Africa v England – Kimberley Oval, Kimberley

Sunday, 8 December: South Africa v England – Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, Durban

Wednesday, 11 December: South Africa v England – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Test match

15-18 December: South Africa v England - Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England unveils test, ODI and T20I squads for South Africa tour

Freya Kemp earns a test Call-up for the first time 🏏#CricketTwitter #ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/rWjjXnLn7i

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) November 8, 2024