England lose to South Africa in nail-biting semi final

England Women lost to South Africa Women by 6 runs

England lost a tight and tense semi final encounter with hosts South Africa on Friday.

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first. The opening partnership of Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt took the home side to just short of 100 runs in just over 13 overs. After that good start, the home side reached 164-4 from their 20 overs. Sophie Ecclestone was England's most impressive bowler taking three wickets for 22 runs.

England's reply got off to a fine start with Danni Wyatt scoring 34 runs from 30 balls and her opening partner Sophia Dunkley smashing 28 from 16.

Tazmin Brits followed up her first-rate batting display with four spectacular catches to claim the player of the match award. Including the key wickets of the aforementioned Wyatt and Dunkley, as well as tournament top-scorer Nat Sciver-Brunt for 40.

Captain Heather Knight tried to steer England home, with a knock of 31 from 25 balls, but it wasn't enough as the three lions finished on 158-8 from their 20 overs.

Please see Heather Knight's post-match press conference thoughts here.

England Women's T20 Word Cup Fixtures and Results

Saturday 11 February England Women beat the West Indies by 7 wickets at Boland Park, Paarl

Monday 13 February England Women beat Ireland Women by 4 wickets at Boland Park, Paarl

Saturday 18 February 3pm England Women vs India Women St George's Park, Gqeberha

Tuesday 21 February 3pm England Women vs Pakistan Women Newlands, Cape Town

Friday 24 February 3pm England Women vs South Africa Women Newlands, Cape Town