Razeen Gutta
The Momentum Proteas suffered another defeat at the hands of the England women in Derby, losing the final T20 by 38 runs.
The hosts won the toss and chose to bat, with South Africa getting star opener Sophia Dunkley out first ball courtesy of Nonkulukelo Mlaba.
Danni Wyatt settled things down for England, putting runs on the board with a well-played 30 off 25. Amy Jones (28), Alice Capsey (25) and captain Natalie Sciver (24) all chipped in despite Mlaba taking a further two wickets.
There were a fair bit of runs to get for an above par score in the final two overs, with England 136/6 with 13 balls remaining. That is when Sophie Ecclestone made all the difference.
The 23-year-old from Cheshire faced just 12 balls for her whopping 33 runs, smashing four fours and two sixes to help the hosts to 176/6 in their 20 overs.
Lara Goodall fell in the first over of the Proteas run chase and Anneke Bosch made 17 at a disappointing strike rate of just 66.
Tazmin Brits made a good half century, however when Laura Wolvaardt and Chloe Tyron were dismissed by the player of the match and series, Ecclestone, all hope seemed lost for the Proteas.
At 111/5 and just under three overs to play, the task became impossible and England saw themselves through to another massive victory. Winning the T20 series 3-0.
The tour concludes in disappointment for the Proteas, however the girls will look to bounce back at the Commonwealth Games next week where they have been drawn to face England once again; as well as New Zealand and Sri Lanka for a place in the last four.
Image source: @EnglandCricket
