Women's T20 WC: Unbeaten England face resurgent South Africa for a place in Lord's final
London, July 1
Unbeaten England take on a confident South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at The Kennington Oval, with the winner earning the right to face six-time champions Australia in Sunday's final at Lord's.
Australia secured the first spot in the final with a convincing eight-wicket win over West Indies, successfully chasing 126 with 42 balls left. Now, England and South Africa are set to compete for the last spot in what promises to be a tight match in the knockout stage.
England enters the semi-final with a perfect record, having won all five of their group matches. The return of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt makes an already strong team even better. They have posted scores of 164, 186, and 219 in the tournament, showcasing the depth of their batting lineup.
South Africa, on the other hand, has bounced back impressively after losing their initial match to Australia. They have won four of their next five games. Their most significant performance came against India, where Marizanne Kapp delivered a standout performance. She scored an unbeaten 81 and took 2/27, leading her team to a memorable victory.
England's greatest strength lies in their top order, led by the tournament's top run-scorer, Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The experienced opener has scored 282 runs in five innings at an average of 94. This includes an unbeaten 89 against New Zealand at The Oval, and she has already received three Player of the Match awards.
Sciver-Brunt's return, following a significant improvement in her calf injury after a positive MRI scan, gives England their strongest XI for the first time in three matches. Her presence also adds another quality seam-bowling option, restoring balance to the team.
Alice Capsey has brought aggressive batting in the middle order, helping England score quickly. Meanwhile, world No.1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone continues to excel in the middle overs with her accuracy. Ecclestone achieved figures of 3/22 against Ireland and 2/23 against the West Indies, maintaining an excellent economy throughout the tournament.
South Africa's success has come from a disciplined bowling attack that includes Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, and Nonkululeko Mlaba. This quartet has consistently taken wickets throughout the tournament.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt will be eager to make a mark after being dismissed on the first ball against Bangladesh in the final group match. Annerie Dercksen's important 45 in that game showcased the depth in South Africa's batting lineup.
Kapp stands out as South Africa's key player, excelling with both bat and ball. Her experience in high-pressure situations makes her a crucial asset for the team.
The Oval has generally favoured teams chasing in this World Cup. Australia managed to chase down the West Indies' total comfortably on the same pitch, while both England and South Africa also had successful chases earlier in the tournament.
Although the pitch initially showed a slight green tinge, it has remained good for batting overall. With an evening start and the possibility of dew, captains are likely to choose to bowl first if they win the toss.
England are aiming for their first Women's T20 World Cup title since 2009, while South Africa hopes to reach another global final by defeating one of the tournament's favourites. With Australia's spot already settled, only one challenge remains before Sunday's final showdown at Lord's.
Match details:
When: Thursday, July 2 at 7:00 PM IST
Where: The Oval, London
Where to watch: The second semifinal between South Africa and England will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on JioStar
Squads:
England:
Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
South Africa:
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian fan, I'm still gutted about our early exit, but this tournament has been fantastic for women's cricket. England v South Africa is a tough one to call—England's batting depth vs South Africa's bowling attack. Would love to see a close contest. Also, great to see Sciver-Brunt back fit! 💪
Honestly, England are the favourites on paper but South Africa have the momentum after that win against us. Kapp is a legend—81* and 2 wickets in the same match against India was incredible. But England's spinners, especially Ecclestone, could be the difference on this pitch. Expecting a low-scoring thriller!
Great analysis! I think the toss will be key given the dew factor at The Oval. South Africa's bowling quartet is genuinely world-beating—Kapp, Ismail, Khaka, Mlaba. But Wyatt-Hodge's form is ridiculous. 282 runs in 5 innings at 94 average. She's been unstoppable. Going to be a nail-biter! 😬
Would have loved to see India here instead of South Africa, but credit where it's due—Kapp's performance against us was one of the best all-round displays in T20 history. England look unbeatable though. That 219 they posted was carnage. If they bat first, South Africa will need something special. Let's see if Wolvaardt can step up after that duck.
This is what makes T20 cricket so exciting—form goes out the window in knockouts! England are unbeaten but South Africa
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