England Secures Impressive 286-Run Victory Over South Africa in One-Off Test
In a dominant performance, England triumphed over South Africa by 286 runs on the third day of the one-off Test match in Bloemfontein, dismissing the Proteas for a mere 64 runs, their lowest Test score.
Chasing a challenging target of 351 at Mangaung Oval, South Africa crumbled under pressure, managing just 31 runs for the loss of five wickets within the first 12 overs. England’s bowlers, led by Lauren Bell with figures of 4-27, alongside Lauren Filer’s 1-12, wreaked havoc with the new ball. Notably, South African all-rounders Nadine de Klerk and Chloe Tryon were sent back to the pavilion without scoring.
The absence of Decision Review System (DRS) technology raised eyebrows during the match, particularly when Annerie Dercksen was controversially given out caught at short leg by the third umpire, despite no evidence of an edge from Bell’s delivery.
The Proteas captain, Laura Wolvaardt, and opening partner Anneke Bosch fell victim to Bell and Filer, both adjudicated lbw, deepening South Africa’s struggles. Following the contentious dismissal of Dercksen, Bell delivered a stunning delivery to bowl Sune Luus out for just one run, further sealing South Africa’s fate.
As the game progressed, De Klerk’s run out, combined with Tryon’s lbw dismissal by England spinner Sophie Ecclestone (2-7 from 4.4 overs), confirmed England’s position as clear favorites for victory. The winning moment arrived when Nonkululeko Mlaba was run out for 14, leaving Ayanda Hlubi unable to bat due to injury.
South Africa’s collapse mirrored a dismal first-innings performance where they plummeted from 237-7 to all out for 281, trailing England’s first innings total of 395-9 declared by 114 runs.
With this victory, England has added a Test win to their previous 3-0 T20 series sweep and 2-1 ODI series win against South Africa. They will now head to Australia for the Women’s Ashes, buoyed by their recent successes.
Highlights of the match include Heather Knight’s near-century as she scored 90 in England’s second innings before falling just short of her third Test hundred. South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba stood out with six wickets in the second innings, a remarkable feat despite the team’s disappointing performance.
As the cricketing world looks ahead, England’s confidence will undoubtedly serve them well in the upcoming series against Australia.
England in South Africa – Full Schedule
- T20 series: England 3 – South Africa 0
- ODI series: England 2 – South Africa 1
- One-off Test: December 15-18 in Bloemfontein – England won by 286 runs.
