LONDON — England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt declared herself fit and returned from injury to score 75 runs in a 40-run victory over South Africa in the Women's T20 World Cup semi-final on July 2, 2026, at The Oval. England scored 169-5 in their 20 overs, while South Africa finished with 129-8.

Sciver-Brunt re-injured her left calf during a match against Ireland on June 16, 2026, causing her to miss group stage matches against Scotland, the West Indies, and New Zealand. She used magnetic resonance therapy to recover and batted in the nets on July 1, the day before the semi-final.

Sophia Dunkley had been included in the England side at number 3 during Sciver-Brunt's absence but was replaced in the starting lineup for the semi-final. "I've been put through my recovery paces and worked really hard to get myself to this position," Sciver-Brunt said. "We tested it enough to be comfortable. We are confident I am fully fit. I'm really happy with where I'm at physically."

Sciver-Brunt scored her 75 runs from 47 balls, sharing a 133-run partnership with Heather Knight, who scored 58 from 47 balls. The partnership was established after England was reduced to 23-3 and represents the highest ever in a Women's T20 World Cup knockout match. Sciver-Brunt's innings marked her eighth fifty in a T20 World Cup, tying the record for most fifties in the tournament with Suzie Bates and Beth Mooney.

For South Africa, Tazmin Brits scored 51 runs from 45 balls, while captain Laura Wolvaardt made 16. England's Lauren Bell and Charlie Dean each took two wickets, while Freya Kemp, Sophie Ecclestone, and Linsey Smith each took one. The crowd at The Oval totaled 21,128.

England will play Australia in the final at Lord's on July 5, 2026. The team entered the semi-final having won all five of their group stage matches. England has not lost a women's international match at The Oval and previously lost two World Cup semi-finals against South Africa.