11 August 2008

England Women successfully defended 185 to win the third One Day International against South Africa Women by 77 runs to claim the series at Shenley.

Charlize van der Westhuizen picked up four for 30 as England Women were bowled out for 185 having won the toss before Laura Marsh picked up four for 19 on her return to the side as South Africa were bowled out for 108.

Looking to seal the series, England made two changes, with Ebony Rainford-Brent and Marsh into the side in place of Isa Guha and Beth Morgan but apart from Rainford-Brent, who hit 45 opening, and Lydia Greenway, who was unbeaten on 61, the batting didn't fire.

Caroline Atkins, who smashed 145 at Lord's, could only make three, captain Charlotte Edwards was dismissed for four and Sarah Taylor, batting down the order after her 129 at Lord's, managed 11.

Greenway's unbeaten 61 came from 101 balls and included five fours while Rainford-Brent's 45 came from 59 balls with nine fours.

van der Westhuizen was well supported by Ashlyn Kilowan, who took two for 34 with Susan Benade, Dinisha Devnarin and Sunette Loubser taking one wicket apiece.

South Africa also made an uncertain start, losing Daleen Terblanche for four, trapped in front by Katherine Brunt.

Alicia Smith (30) and captain Cri-Zelda Brits (16) made starts byut both were removed by Jenny Gunn to put the match back in the balance with the tourists on 53 for three.

Spinner Holly Colvin then continued her good form this summer by removing Claire Terblanche (two) Benade (four), Trisha Chetty (nine) to leave South Africa in disarray at 71 for seven and Marsh cleaned up the tail with the wickets of Shandre Fritz (two), van der Westhuizen (nine), Loubser (22) and Kilowan (four).

Colvin finished with three for 20, Gunn two for 23 and Brunt one for 15.

The fourth match of five takes place at the same venue on August 14th.

© Cricket World 2008

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