England Levels the Series with a Dominant Win

England roared back in style to claim a six-wicket victory over South Africa in the second ODI at Kingsmead, levelling the series after a disappointing loss in the opener. The match was highlighted by Charlie Dean’s remarkable hat-trick—the first by an England bowler in women’s ODIs in 25 years—a feat she later confessed had slipped her notice in the moment. England's bowlers dismantled South Africa’s batting lineup, leaving the hosts all out for 135, before an aggressive batting performance sealed the win with 26 overs to spare.

Early Strikes and a Mid-Innings Collapse

Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, England made their intentions clear from the outset. Lauren Filer’s fiery spell removed Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus within her first two overs, leaving South Africa reeling at 14 for 2. However, a steadying partnership between Laura Wolvaardt, playing her 100th ODI, and Annerie Dercksen added 58 runs and appeared to halt England’s charge.

But the game took a dramatic turn after the drinks break. Dercksen, on 29, mistimed a drive off Dean, giving a simple catch to Filer at backward point. Shortly after, Marizanne Kapp fell to Dean’s clever bowling, driving straight to mid-off. Wolvaardt, who had showcased her trademark cover drives, misjudged Ecclestone’s length and was bowled for 35, leaving South Africa in disarray at 76 for 5.

Dean’s hat-trick came into her next over. Nadine de Klerk’s reckless hack was caught by Heather Knight at slip via a deflection, and Sinalo Jafta was trapped lbw on the very next ball. A review confirmed her dismissal, making Dean only the third Englishwoman to achieve the milestone in ODIs, joining Carol Hodges (1993) and Clare Connor (1999).

Lower-Order Resistance and England’s Clean-Up

Chloe Tryon provided some resistance, scoring a gritty 45 from 49 balls while marshalling the tail. However, England’s bowlers ensured South Africa couldn’t recover fully. Filer dismissed Nonkululeko Mlaba, and Ecclestone’s sharp turn and bounce accounted for Tryon, with Tammy Beaumont taking a sharp catch at short leg. South Africa’s innings folded with 18 overs left, setting England a modest target of 136.

England’s Confident Chase

England’s chase began assertively with Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier putting on 69 runs in just 12 overs. However, Dercksen’s effective short-pitched deliveries removed both openers and created a minor scare when Heather Knight was trapped lbw by Kapp, reducing England to 82 for 3.

Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Nat Sciver-Brunt, however, steadied the ship with a 47-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Despite de Klerk claiming a consolation wicket, Amy Jones finished the match in style with two boundaries, sealing England’s victory.

Series Momentum with England

The win not only levelled the ODI series but also extended England’s dominance in the multi-format series to an unassailable 8-2 lead, following their 3-0 triumph in the T20Is. With this commanding performance, England has set the stage for a thrilling series finale.