England lose thrilling T20 World Cup semi-final to South Africa by just SIX runs

England crashed out of the T20 World Cup on Friday as hosts South Africa edged out a thrilling semi-final in Cape Town, winning by six runs to book their place in Sunday’s final against Australia.

South Africa set Heather Knight’s side a target of 165, as Laura Wolvaardt and Tamzin Brits put on a superb 96-run opening partnership to kickstart the dramatic affair.

Sophie Ecclestone took three of England’s four wickets to limit South Africa’s total, which marked their highest score at the World Cup so far.

England’s opening pair Danni Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley launched the chase in typically explosive fashion, chalking off 50 quickfire runs at the start of the innings to stand them in good stead, but the middle order crumbled following the dismissal of Nat Sciver-Brunt.

Amy Jones, Ecclestone and Katherine Sciver-Brunt quickly collapsed in a game-changing over from Ayabonga Khaka, and a few overs later captain Knight was subsequently left needing 13 off the final six balls to guide England over the line.

South Africa reached Sunday’s T20 World Cup final with a thrilling win over England on Friday

South Africa celebrate Shabnim Ismail’s vital wicket of captain Heather Knight in the final over

Keeping her nerve at the death, pace bowler Shabnim Ismail toppled Knight’s stumps over with four balls left as the England star hit out in search of boundaries, setting up a date with Australia on Sunday in front of South Africa’s jubilant home supporters.

England had been in dominant form ahead of the semi-final and were favourites to advance, having swept past Pakistan, India, Ireland and West Indies with relative ease.

Brits, who claimed player of the match after impressively knocking 68 runs from 55 balls, made an immense contribution for South Africa in the field with an astonishing four catches.

More to follow.