Women’s T20 World Cup: Nat Syver-Brunt overcomes nerves as England book final against Australia ‘close to perfect’ cricket news

Nat Syver-Brant was delighted to overcome pre-match nerves and take England to the Women’s T20 World Cup final with a ‘close to perfect’ 40-run win over South Africa.

Sciver-Brunt, who suffered a calf injury during the group-stage win over Ireland and missed the next three matches, returned to play a match-winning role in England’s historic semi-final success.

The England captain scored a maximum of 75 runs off 47 deliveries A 133-run partnership – a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final record – with Heather Knight helped the hosts recover from 23-3 to post 169-5 at The Oval.

Despite a half-century from Tazmin Britts, South Africa’s chase fell just short, finishing on 129-8 in front of a record crowd of over 21,000 fans, with Syver-Brant proud of taking England to the World Cup final on home soil.

“I was very nervous going in and I think I was pretty emotional about it (the return) – the show and what we were able to do as a team,” Syver-Brant explained in his post-match press conference.

“I think trying to come to terms with the three games I missed and still have an impact as a leader and a captain. I was able to put those thoughts to bed before practice. I’m very excited and proud of what I was able to do today.

“Heather (Knight) and I have shared some brilliant partnerships throughout our careers. We’ve got a great understanding of each other’s games and I think the overall plan of where we want to go when batting.

“To be able to share with him what we have in our career in England has been years of building up our experience, through years of ups and downs. When you sit down and think about it after everything is said and done, it’s a really special moment.”

South Africa looked good to chase down 170 at an average of 43 before England’s bowlers retreated, Lauren Bell (2-28) and Charlie Deane (2-31) picking up two wickets apiece and impressing the hosts on the field.

“I guess we were just getting glimpses of what we could do and maybe not putting it together,” Sciver-Brunt added. “Out with the power play we had with the bat, you could tell it was close to complete.

“I guess the ebb and flow of a knockout game, and the way we handled different situations, I think it was really there.”

Can England go toe to toe with ‘world class’ Australia?

England won the inaugural Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil in 2009 but have lost their other three finals, each to Australia in 2012, 2014 and 2018. But Sciver-Brunt is confident the six-time world champions will be able to challenge for victory.

“I guess when you see a home World Cup in the diary, you always imagine yourself there in the final and with the chance to lift the trophy – that drive was always there,” Sciver-Brunt explained. “It’s definitely a great common goal as a team.

“I think the way we’ve gone about our cricket in this tournament is planned and the way we beat them. (Australia). Obviously, they’ve got a really long and efficient batting line-up. You don’t just have to take top-order wickets, you have to keep going.

“I think our bowlers are capable of dealing with anything thrown at us. Australia are a world-class team who have had massive success in the last few years. I think the way is to stand with them and go toe-to-toe with them.”

How to Watch Women’s T20 World Cup Final for Free

England take on Australia in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at Lord’s on Sunday with live coverage from 2.30pm on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix (3.30pm).

Everyone can live stream the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final for free – and without a subscription – on the Sky Sports app. All you need to do is download the latest version of the Sky Sports app on your phone or tablet and log in.

Download the Sky Sports app here: iPhone and iPad or Android. Watch every ball of the Women’s T20 World Cup live exclusively on Sky Sports and now.