Amid a series of twists and turns, England have managed to post a decent 235-9, as a determined effort from the Proteas bowlers kept them on their toes throughout the innings.

Sune Luus won the toss and decided to bowl first in the third WC game for South Africa. It was an opportunity to build on the early progress from the last two games, and it was another roaring start.

Marizanne Kapp struck in the second over to send back the hard-hitting Danni Wyatt, who was shifted up the order for this game. Kapp continued to shine, as England captain Heather Knight played onto her stumps. Two key batters were dismissed for single-digit scores, and it clearly was advantage to South Africa during the early stage.

Tammy Beaumont understandably batted more carefully after the untimely jolts, but Nat Sciver arrived at the scene and took on the SA seamers. She was looking fluent until her innings came to an end in a rather peculiar fashion. An attempted pull shot off Masabata Klaas came off the back of the bat, providing the simplest of catches for Lizelle Lee at slip.

Fortunately for England, Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones steadied the ship, albeit relatively slowly. They played out a few maiden overs to close out the first 20, but both did well to occupy the crease and limit the damage.

Both eventually reached their half-centuries, as they remained cautious against spin and feasted on the occasional freebies. They raised a century stand, but SA got a crucial opening when Beaumont was trapped lbw off Klaas.

One wicket brought another, as an alert Trisha Chetty ran out Jones. Cameos from Dunkley and Brunt drove England closer to the 200 threshold.

Marizanne Kapp returned to dismiss them both, raising a spectacular 5-wicket haul in the process.

South Africa have done a respectable job to contain England but did they let them score a few too many? Tune in for the chase shortly.

Photo: ICC Cricket World Cup