South Africa vs England: Lauren Bell takes 4-27 to lead visitors to commanding victory
England recorded their first Test win since 2014 as they defeated South Africa by a crushing 286 runs in Bloemfontein.
The Proteas won by an incredible 351 runs before falling to 64, their lowest total in a women’s Test.
England’s Seamer Lauren Bell performed well to take 4-27, while spinner Sophie Ecclestone ended up winning 2-7.
England started with a 145-run lead but were bowled out for 281 shortly before tea, with captain Heather Knight providing the backbone of the innings with a composed 90.
Facing a tricky situation 20 minutes before the break, Bell scored four points off Laura Wolvaardt’s crucial scalp before fellow seamer Lauren Filer added Anneke Bosch was stuck in front with the same scoreline.
But the turning point came after the break when England called Annie Dercksen for a catch at short leg but the on-field umpire was initially unmoved.
But after consultation with a third referee, the decision was overturned, despite the game not being equipped with a Decision Review System (DRS).
South Africa were clearly not happy with the decision and from that point on, they lost their last seven wickets for 42 runs, with Marizanne Kapp’s 21 being the only contribution.
The dismal batting performance overshadowed a superb bowling performance by spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who finished with 10 runs at 6-67.
The win ensured England had won both of their previous white-ball series on this tour and headed into January’s Ashes with confidence.
