LIVE: England chasing 125 after spinners reel in South Africa

England v South Africa, Match Centre and Scorecard

England look well-placed in search of 125 to beat South Africa in Group B, having endured a sluggish start to their run-chase in Sharjah.

Maia Bouchier struggled for fluency in the powerplay, and the metronomic Marizanne Kapp got rewards for a superb early spell when she trapped the opener in-front for 8 (2).

But England counter-attacked through Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Alice Capsey, getting back in control of the chase on a tricky surface.

WATCH: Kapp dismisses struggling Bouchier to provide first breakthrough

Earlier, England spin quartet got the first innings back under control after a fast start by the Proteas, holding the total to 124/6.

Laura Wolvaardt’s outstanding 42 from 39 balls at the top of the order saw South Africa threaten to reach a big total in Sharjah.

But England got the game back under control, with all four of the team’s spinners taking wickets, and Sophie Ecclestone standing out with 2/15.

WATCH: Ecclestone castles Wolvaardt to lift England further

The story of the first innings

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, as two of the best teams at the T20 World Cup faced off in Sharjah.

And Proteas captain Wolvaardt inspired an impressive powerplay, taking on England’s spin-heavy bowling attack right from the off.

WATCH: Skipper Wolvaardt opens arms with a four

Tazmin Brits looked to join in the fun and was caught on the rope for 13 (from 19 balls), but South Africa’s platform of 37/1 in the first six overs left them well-placed to build a big score.

Catches went down with disappointing frequency for England, but the scoring rate slowed dramatically through the middle overs as their bowling attack hauled the innings back under control.

Anneke Bosch struggled to get going before being bowled by Sarah Glenn form 18 (26), and Wolvaardt’s inspired effort came to an abrupt end when she was cleaned by Sophie Ecclestone for 42 (39).

South Africa were still eyeing a big total, but the dangerous Chloe Tryon was removed by Charlie Dean, and Ecclestone stepped up to deny Marizanne Kapp a chance to extend her fiery knock of 26 from 17.

There was some late drama when Nat Sciver-Brunt ran out Sune Luus in extraordinary fashion, turning the ball onto the stumps with an unintentional but silky flick with the outside of her foot.

And South Africa closed on 124/6, setting up a fascinating second innings in Sharjah.

The Teams

England: Maia Bouchier, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight (capt), Alice Capsey, Amy Jones (wk), Danielle Gibson, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinolo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka