The Proteas Women’s quest for a first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title came to an end on Thursday evening as England claimed a 40-run victory in the second semi-final at The Oval.

Despite reducing the hosts to 23/3 inside the opening four overs, South Africa were unable to capitalise as a magnificent fourth-wicket partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight lifted England to 169/5.

In reply, the Proteas never managed to build the partnerships required in pursuit of 170, eventually finishing on 129/8.

South Africa made the perfect start after electing to bowl first.

Shabnim Ismail struck in the second over when Amy Jones became her 50th wicket in Women’s T20 World Cup history, making the veteran fast bowler the first player to reach the landmark. One over later, Marizanne Kapp produced another trademark delivery to bowl tournament leading run-scorer Danni Wyatt-Hodge for 12.

Ismail then trapped Alice Capsey lbw as England slipped to 23/3, leaving the packed Oval stunned.

However, England’s experienced pair of Sciver-Brunt and Knight absorbed the pressure before launching a superb recovery.

The duo added 133 runs for the fourth wicket, steadily taking control of the innings before accelerating in the closing overs.

Sciver-Brunt led the charge with a brilliant 75 from 47 deliveries, striking 11 fours and a six, while Knight anchored the partnership with 58 from 47 balls.

Nonkululeko Mlaba eventually broke the stand by dismissing Sciver-Brunt in the 19th over before removing Knight two deliveries later, but England had already laid the platform for a formidable total.

Mlaba finished with 2/25, while Ismail claimed 2/31 and Kapp produced another economical spell of 1/16 from her four overs.

South Africa’s chase began positively, with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits putting on 43 for the opening wicket.

Wolvaardt looked in good touch before attempting to clear the infield, only for Sophie Ecclestone to take an outstanding overhead catch off Linsey Smith to dismiss the captain for 17.

England continued to chip away at the Proteas batting line-up.

Annerie Dercksen fell for three before Charlie Dean claimed the prized wicket of Marizanne Kapp for five. Sune Luus battled for 11 but was caught off Lauren Bell, leaving South Africa needing a significant late surge.

Brits once again fought hard for her side, compiling 51 from 45 deliveries to register her third half-century of the tournament. However, shortly after reaching the milestone, she offered a leading edge to Sciver-Brunt at extra cover, effectively ending South Africa’s hopes.

Chloe Tryon made 12 and Nadine de Klerk remained unbeaten on 14, but England’s disciplined bowling attack never allowed the required run rate to come under control.

Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell both claimed two wickets, while Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone and Freya Kemp each picked up one as England completed a deserved victory.

For South Africa, the defeat marked the end of another encouraging World Cup campaign. After reaching the semi-finals through disciplined bowling, resilient batting and several memorable performances, the Proteas once again demonstrated they belong among the world’s leading sides.

On this occasion, however, England’s recovery from a disastrous start and the match-defining partnership between Sciver-Brunt and Knight proved to be the difference as the hosts booked their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final.