England Women displayed an incredible comeback to level the series against South Africa with a dominant six-wicket win at Kingsmead. The star of the match was Charlie Dean, who created history with a sensational hat-trick, becoming only the third England women’s player to achieve the feat in an ODI.
With this victory, England also secured an unassailable 8-2 lead in the multi-format series after their 3-0 sweep in the T20Is.
Match Summary
South Africa: 135 all out (Chloe Tryon 45, Charlie Dean 4-45, Ecclestone 3-27, Filer 3-32)
England: 137/4 (Tammy Beaumont 34, Maia Bouchier 33, Dercksen 2-22)
Charlie Dean’s Historic Hat-trick
Charlie Dean became the first England Women’s player in 25 years to claim an ODI hat-trick. She achieved this remarkable feat during the mid-innings collapse of South Africa, taking three wickets in consecutive deliveries. Here’s how it happened:
- Annerie Dercksen sliced an open-faced drive straight to Lauren Filer at backward point.
- Marizanne Kapp drove through the line, only to give a simple catch to Sophie Ecclestone at mid-off.
- Sinalo Jafta pressed forward without conviction and was trapped lbw first ball.
Dean joined the elite club of Carol Hodges (1993) and Clare Connor (1999) as the only England Women bowlers to achieve a hat-trick in ODIs. Interestingly, Dean admitted she wasn’t even aware of her hat-trick until the innings break.
South Africa’s Struggle with the Bat
After winning the toss, England opted to bowl, and their bowlers were relentless. Lauren Filer struck early, dismissing Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus in her first two overs, reducing South Africa to 14/2.
The South African middle order fought back with a partnership between Laura Wolvaardt (playing her 100th ODI) and Annerie Dercksen, adding 58 runs. However, things took a drastic turn after a drinks break.
South Africa’s collapse was triggered when Annerie Dercksen sliced a shot to backward point. From 72/2, South Africa slipped to 76/5 in no time. Wolvaardt, known for her stylish cover drives, was bowled by Sophie Ecclestone after an inside edge.
The lower order crumbled too, with Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta falling victim to Charlie Dean’s hat-trick. Chloe Tryon showed some resistance with a fighting 45 off 49 balls but received little support from the other end. South Africa was bowled out for just 135, leaving 18 overs unused.
England’s Chase: Strong Start, Minor Wobbles
England’s chase got off to a flying start, thanks to the aggressive approach of Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier, who added 69 runs for the first wicket in just 12 overs.
South Africa’s Annerie Dercksen brought some hope, taking the wickets of Bouchier and Beaumont with short balls. When Heather Knight was trapped lbw by Marizanne Kapp, England found themselves at 82/3, raising a flicker of hope for South Africa.
However, England’s experienced duo of Nat Sciver-Brunt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge ensured there was no twist in the tale. Their 47-run stand took the game away from South Africa. Even though Nadine de Klerk picked up a consolation wicket in the final overs, it was too little, too late.
Key Performers
? Charlie Dean (4/45)
The undisputed hero of the match, Dean’s hat-trick not only put her in the record books but also decimated South Africa’s batting lineup.
? Sophie Ecclestone (3/27)
Ecclestone played a crucial role by providing England with timely breakthroughs. Her delivery to dismiss Laura Wolvaardt was a pivotal moment in the match.
? Lauren Filer (3/32)
Filer’s fiery spell at the start of South Africa’s innings set the tone for England. Her dismissal of Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus in quick succession laid the groundwork for the collapse.
? Tammy Beaumont (34) & Maia Bouchier (33)
Beaumont and Bouchier ensured England’s chase was off to a rapid start. Their 69-run stand all but sealed the win for England.
What’s Next?
With the series now tied at 1-1, both teams will be looking to seal the decider in the next match. England will be confident after this dominant win, while South Africa will have to regroup and address their batting woes.
Final Thoughts
Charlie Dean’s incredible hat-trick and England’s all-round performance gave them a comprehensive win over South Africa. England’s dominance with both bat and ball has put them in a strong position for the next match. South Africa will need to overcome their batting collapses if they hope to compete.
This memorable match will be remembered for Dean’s historic hat-trick, a feat that hadn’t been seen in England Women’s cricket for 25 years. With the series now level, all eyes will be on the final showdown between these two teams.
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