England secured a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa in the second ODI at Kingsmead, Durban, setting the stage for a thrilling final match in the three-game series. The match was punctuated by a sensational hat-trick from England spinner Charlie Dean, who played a pivotal role in dismantling the South African batting order.
Dean’s hat-trick, achieved in a breathtaking collapse, propelled England to a comprehensive win. She dismissed Marizanne Kapp on the final ball of the 17th over before removing Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta with the first two balls of the 19th. This devastating spell saw South Africa lose five wickets for a mere four runs in just 12 balls, ultimately collapsing to a paltry 135 all out. England reached their target with a remarkable 26 overs to spare, showcasing their dominance.
Dean, seemingly unaware of her achievement initially, expressed her delight post-match. “I didn’t even realise I had a hat-trick, so it was great to find that out afterwards. It’s pretty cool,” she stated. She also reflected on her growing consistency, adding, “I am still learning, still growing, but I think I am becoming a lot more consistent in how I am going about my business.” Dean’s hat-trick makes her the seventh England cricketer – and only the second woman after Carole Hodges and Clare Connor – to achieve this feat in an ODI. This accomplishment joins the ranks of notable male hat-trick heroes like Steven Finn, Steve Harmison, Andrew Flintoff, and James Anderson.
England’s success wasn’t solely reliant on Dean’s heroics. The team’s overall bowling performance was exceptional, with captain Heather Knight praising the bowlers’ aggressive approach. She highlighted Lauren Filer’s early impact, stating, “The bowlers set the tone – Lauren Filer, in particular. She is very entertaining to watch…for her to pick up those two early wickets was really pleasing.” Filer’s pace was instrumental in reducing South Africa to 14-2 early on, setting the tone for the day. Her fiery spell, averaging nearly 74mph, also contributed to the dismissals of Tazmin Brits and Sune Luus, underscoring her potential ahead of the Ashes series in Australia.
The match showcased a stark contrast in performances. While South Africa initially showed promise with a 58-run partnership between Annerie Dercksen and Laura Wolvaardt, Dean’s spell, coupled with Filer’s early breakthroughs and the continued pressure from the other bowlers, effectively dismantled their batting lineup. This resounding win sets up a decisive third ODI in Potchefstroom, a winner-takes-all encounter that promises another captivating match in this keenly contested series.
