South Africa shock England in T20 World Cup

Mignon du Preez has displayed nerves of steel to inspire South Africa to a shock six-wicket victory over England in a thrilling T20 World Cup clash at the WACA Ground.

In reply to England's 8-123, South Africa needed 21 off the last 13 balls to snatch victory in Sunday's match.

Du Preez, playing her 100th T20I, was dropped on two, and she made the most of the chance.

With South Africa needing seven runs off the last four balls, du Preez thumped Katherine Brunt for a six to level the scores.

She hit a four next ball to secure the win with two balls to spare.

Du Preez finished unbeaten on 18 off 11 balls, with her match-winning shot sparking wild celebrations.

Dane van Niekerk (46 off 51 balls) and Marizanne Kapp (38 off 33) played crucial roles in setting up South Africa's innings.

South Africa are ranked sixth in T20 cricket, but their win over world No.2 England has given them an excellent chance to make it past the group stage.

It was also sweet revenge for South Africa, who lost to England in the semi-final of the 2017 one-day World Cup.

"We kind of had a monkey on our back - it's now done and dusted," du Preez said of turning the tables on England.

"We said this year we want to go one step further than the semi-finals and take the World Cup trophy home."

England will probably have to win their remaining three group games - against Thailand, West Indies, and Pakistan - in order to reach the semi-finals.

"It puts the pressure on, doesn't it," England batter Natalie Sciver said.

"In terms of our team, a bit of pressure will hopefully see the best of us.

"Hopefully we can go out there and play positively and play with freedom.

"I know the first game you sometimes have a few nerves around. I was nervous since two days ago watching the first game. Nerves can be good, but they can also be bad sometimes."

England were crawling along at 4-75 after 15 overs before plundering 48 runs from the last five overs.

Sciver held the innings together with 50 off 41 balls, while opener Amy Jones chipped in with 23.

South Africa scored just six runs from their first 3.5 overs, but fine knocks from van Niekerk and Kapp kept them in it.

Du Preez then provided the finishing touch, joking that she even wanted to give the ball a blow to ensure it went over for a six.

2020 ICC Women's T20 World Cup

Australia squad: Meg Lanning (c), Rachael Haynes (vc), Erin Burns, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy (wk), Jess Jonassen, Delissa Kimmince, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Molly Strano, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham

February 21:India won by 17 runs

February 24: Australia v Sri Lanka, WACA Ground

February 27: Australia v Bangladesh, Manuka Oval 

March 2: Australia v New Zealand, Junction Oval

March 5: Semi-final 1 & Semi-final 2, SCG

March 8: Final, MCG

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE

* All matches will be broadcast on Fox Cricket and Kayo, while Australia’s matches will also be broadcast on the Nine Network