Commonwealth Games: Alice Caspey, bowlers hand England semifinal qualification

BIRMINGHAM: Galvanized by a maiden T20I half-century from teenager Alice Capsey, England defeated South Africa by 26 runs to confirm their semifinal qualification from Group B in the 2022 Commonwealth Games at Edgbaston.

Alice carved eight boundaries, including one six in her effort of 50 off 37 deliveries, which was accompanied by lower-order contributions from veteran pacer Katherine Brunt (38 not out) and wicketkeeper Amy Jones (36 not out), as England posted 167/5 in their 20 overs.

South Africa's chase included a 64-run stand between Anneke Bosch (32) and Tazmin Brits (38) as well as a 33-ball 41 not out from Laura Wolvaardt. But it was not enough as England's bowling attack restricted South Africa to 141/4 in their 20 overs.

South Africa will play their next match at the Commonwealth Games on Thursday when they take on Sri Lanka.

Brief Scores: England 167/5 in 20 overs (Alice Caspey 50, Katherine Brunt 38 not out; Shabnim Ismail 2/27) beat South Africa 141/4 in 20 overs (Laura Wolvaardt 41 not out, Tazmin Brits 38; Katherine Brunt 1/16, Sophie Ecclestone 1/21) by 26 runs. IANS

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