The Proteas Women were knocked out of the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final after England reigned supreme with a 40-run win. While a loss so close to the end of the tournament proved heartbreaking, South Africans didn’t hesitate to show their national team their support.
Also see: Protea Women reach first-ever World Cup final
The teams battled it out at The Oval in London, England, on Thursday, 2 July 2026. The hosting nation’s victory will see them facing Australia on Sunday, 5 July 2026, at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Australia beat the West Indies in the first semi-final match.
Proteas Women accept defeat
According to SA Cricket Mag, after being sent in to bat, England slumped to 23-3 inside four overs before captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who made 75, and Heather Knight, who made 58, rescued the innings with a 133-run partnership, guiding their side to 169-5. Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed two late wickets for South Africa.
Chasing 170, the Proteas lost captain Laura Wolvaardt early and never recovered as England’s bowlers kept striking at regular intervals. Tazmin Brits top-scored with a half-century, but South Africa finished on 129-8, falling 40 runs short.
Earlier, South Africa had made the perfect start with Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp reducing England to 23-3. However, Sciver-Brunt and Knight steadied the innings with match-winning knocks.
Hosts England are through to the #T20WorldCup Final after a thumping win against South Africa at The Oval 💪
Follow the tournament LIVE, broadcast details 📺 https://t.co/5JYsHCRzJ2 pic.twitter.com/AP4KrTOVkz
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) July 2, 2026
Also see: Nonkululeko Mlaba comes up big at Cricket South Africa Awards
South Africans applaud the team
Despite being eliminated from the T20 World Cup days after Bafana Bafana lost to Canada during the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup, South African social media users spread positivity online.
@LITDATAFOX shared, “We love you, girlies! Unfortunately, you were just not at your best with the bat in this tournament! Hearts are not even sore; games are not won through miracles but zeal, enthusiasm, and a strong mind, which you didn’t display! You’ll try again.”
@maygrantswife13 added in the comments, “We made it out of the group of literal nightmares, and that was an achievement in itself; proud of the girls.”
“Hard luck, girls. I’m very proud of your performance,” wrote @chaukejerry1.
An honest @Diamond_Blackie said, “This loss is painful, not gonna lie, but we are still unbreakable.”
“It didn’t seem like we had any game plan, and we were holding back. Hopefully will come back stronger and better,” added @ghost_lukh.
Also see: Women’s u19 fall short in T20 final: It’s time to address SA’s cricket curse
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