England spinner Sophie Ecclestone produced one of the standout deliveries of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 to dismiss South Africa‘s Chloe Tryon during the second semi-final at Kennington Oval, London, on Thursday. The left-arm spinner delivered a beautifully flighted ball that sneaked under Tryon’s bat before crashing into the stumps, leaving the all-rounder with no answer. England eventually sealed a commanding 40-run victory to book a place in Sunday’s final against Australia at Lord’s.

Sophie Ecclestone dismisses Chloe Tryon with a beauty

The dismissal came on the fourth ball of the 18th over with South Africa’s chase already hanging by a thread. Looking to accelerate, Tryon shuffled across the crease and attempted to flat-bat the delivery over the infield. However, Ecclestone cleverly tossed the ball up on a good length, tempting the batter into an ambitious stroke. The ball dipped sharply, slipped beneath the swinging bat, and clipped the leg bail to send the England players into celebration.

The wicket effectively ended South Africa’s hopes of pulling off an unlikely comeback and highlighted Ecclestone’s ability to deliver under pressure on the biggest stage.

Here’s the video:

CASTLED! 🔥#SophieEcclestone clean bowls #ChloeTryon with a beauty as England move one step closer to the Final.

ICC Women’s #T20WorldCup 2026 | Semi-final 2 | #ENGvSA | LIVE NOW! pic.twitter.com/Qr3vCuYTp2

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 2, 2026

England recover from early collapse through Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight

Earlier in the evening, England overcame a nightmare start after being asked to bat first. The hosts were rocked inside the powerplay, slipping to 23/3 as South Africa’s pace attack struck early. With the innings in danger of unraveling, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and experienced batter Heather Knight produced a remarkable rescue act. The pair stitched together a record-breaking 133-run partnership that completely shifted the momentum in England’s favour.

Sciver-Brunt led from the front with a magnificent 75 off just 47 deliveries, mixing elegant strokeplay with aggressive intent. Knight provided the perfect support, compiling a composed 58 from 47 balls as the duo punished anything loose while rotating the strike brilliantly.

Their partnership lifted England to an imposing 169/5 from 20 overs after a disastrous beginning. South Africa’s bowlers had enjoyed success early, with Nonkululeko Mlaba returning figures of 2/25 and veteran pacer Shabnim Ismail claiming 2/31, but they struggled to contain England’s middle-order revival.

Also READ: Hayley Matthews opens up on her future after West Indies’ exit from Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

Bowlers complete dominant win as England set up Australia clash

Chasing 170 for victory, South Africa began cautiously but found it difficult to match the increasing required run rate against England’s disciplined bowling attack. Opener Tazmin Brits fought a lone battle with a determined 51, but regular wickets prevented the Proteas from building any meaningful partnerships. England maintained control throughout the innings with accurate bowling and energetic fielding.

Lauren Bell finished with impressive figures of 2/28, while Charlie Dean chipped in with 2/31. Ecclestone may not have filled the wickets column, but her economical spell and the stunning dismissal of Tryon played a significant role in tightening England’s grip on the contest. South Africa eventually closed on 129/8 in their allotted 20 overs, handing England a comprehensive 40-run victory and sweet revenge after previous Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final disappointments.

With confidence soaring after an all-round performance, England will now take on Australia in the final at the iconic Lord’s on Sunday, July 5. The summit clash promises to be a blockbuster as two of the tournament’s strongest teams battle for the coveted world title.

Also READ: Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round heroics guide England into the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.