England’s Tactical Gamble on Ecclestone Fails to Pay Off

England’s tactical gamble to play an injured Sophie Ecclestone almost paid off, but a late explosion from Laura Wolvaardt (169) and a collapse against Marizanne Kapp (5/20) resulted in a 125-run semi-final defeat. Ecclestone was included despite “wincing with pain” from a shoulder injury.
The reasoning seemed sound as Ecclestone delivered, taking four wickets to break a 116-run opening stand and help reduce South Africa to 202 for six. She was England’s only bowler to find success.
However, once Ecclestone’s 10 overs were finished, Wolvaardt took full advantage. The South African captain smashed 69 runs from her last 28 balls, destroying the remaining bowlers to set a huge total of 319 for seven.
England’s chase then fell apart immediately. Kapp’s double-wicket maiden left them at one for three, with their top order all gone for ducks.
Kapp returned to finish with five wickets, also becoming the tournament’s all-time leading wicket-taker. England’s gamble had worked, but their lack of bowling depth and batting fragility was ultimately exposed.