Women’s World T20 Cup: Nat Sciver-Brunt overcomes emotions as ‘close’ England final against Australia | Cricket news

Nat Sciver-Brunt was delighted to be able to overcome pre-match nerves and guide England to the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup with an ‘overwhelming’ 40-run victory over South Africa.

Sciver-Brunt, who suffered a calf injury during the group stage win over Ireland and was ruled out of the next three games, returned to play a match-winning role in England’s historic semi-final triumph.

The England captain top-scored with 75 off 47 to help the home side recover from 23-3 to post 169-5 at The Oval, and put on a 133-run partnership – a record for a T20 World Cup semi-final – with Heather Knight.

South Africa’s chase fell sharply despite 50 from Tazmin Brits, closing out on 129-8 in front of a record crowd of over 21,000 fans, with Sciver-Brunt proud to lead England to a World Cup final at home.

“I was very nervous going in and I think I’m bitter about it [returning] – the event and what we were able to do as a team,” explained Sciver-Brunt in his post-match press conference.

“I think I’m trying to live with these three games that I missed and I still have the strength as a leader and as a captain. I was able to put those thoughts to sleep, before the warm-up. I’m very happy and proud of what I was able to do today.

“Heather [Knight] and share a good partnership with others in all our activities. We have a good understanding of each other’s games and I think the overall plan is where we need to go as a team when hitting.

“To share with him many years of doing what we have in our work in England, through the years of ups and downs we’ve had. When you sit back and think about it after it’s all said and done, it’s a really special moment.”

South Africa looked well placed to chase down 170 after opening with a 43-run partnership before England’s bowlers fought back, with Lauren Bell (2-28) and Charlie Dean (2-31) claiming two wickets apiece and the hosts performing well on the field.

“I think we were showing glimpses of what we can do and maybe not putting it together,” Sciver-Brunt added. “Take away the power play we had with hitting, you can tell that it was almost over.

“I think the ebbs and flows of the knock game, and how we handled different situations, I think that was up there.”

Can England go toe to toe with ‘world class’ Australia?

England won the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup at home in 2009 but lost their three other finals, each to Australia in 2012, 2014 and 2018. But Sciver-Brunt is confident that he will be able to challenge the six-time world champions for victory.

“I think when you see a home World Cup in a book, you always imagine you’re there in the final and you have a chance to lift the trophy – that’s always there,” explained Sciver-Brunt. “Obviously it’s the same big goal to have as a team.

“I think the way we played cricket in this tournament is planned and how we can beat them. [Australia]. Obviously, they have a really long and talented batting line. You don’t just need to take high wickets, you need to keep going.

“I think our bowlers are fully equipped to handle anything that is thrown at us. Australia is a world-class team that has had a lot of success over the last few years. I think getting up and going toe-to-toe with them is the way to go.”

How to watch T20 World Cup final for free

England take on Australia in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday at Lord’s, live from 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (3.30pm).

Everyone can stream the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup live for FREE – and without registration – on the Sky Sports App. All you have to do is download the latest version of the Sky Sports app on your phone or tablet and sign in.

Download the Sky Sports App at: iPhone and iPad or Android. Watch every match of the Women’s World Cup T20 exclusively live on Sky Sports and NOW.