Sophie Ecclestone took six wickets as England beat South Africa in the World Cup semi-finals
(Picture: Getty Images)England will face Australia in the Women’s Cricket World Cup final this weekend after a stunning victory over South Africa in Christchurch.
Sophie Ecclestone claimed an incredible six-wicket haul in Thursday’s memorable semi-final tie at Hagley Oval as the defending champions cruised to a 137-run triumph.
Opener Danni Wyatt had earlier struck 129 off 125 balls after being dropped no fewer than five times as England were put into bat first and posted a score of 293-8, with Wyatt and Sophia Dunkley putting on a key partnership of 116 for the fifth wicket.
The victory caps a remarkable turnaround at the tournament for four-time winners England, who lost their opening three matches in the group stage - including against Australia and South Africa - and had appeared on the verge of elimination before crucial consecutive victories over India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The final against Australia will take place in Christchurch on Sunday, with a 2am BST start time.
“I think that was a complete performance from us today, what we've been searching for. Really chuffed that the girls have brought their best cricket when it is all on the line,” said England captain Heather Knight.
"The fact we have played knockout cricket for the last four games has helped us as well. Obviously, really excited for Sunday.
"I thought Danni Wyatt was outstanding. She was really selective with the balls she attacked and didn't get frustrated when she found the fielders a little bit. That partnership with Sophia Dunkley really took the game away from them.
"Sophie Ecclestone has been brilliant for us, that's her first five-for in international cricket as well. I thought she bowled outstandingly, her and Charlie Dean in tandem on a wicket that had a little bit in it for them. Really pleased.
"We'll go into the final as underdogs but it's a fresh slate. We're all equal on the morning of the game and what a story has been written for us if we can do it."
Australia thrashed West Indies in their rain-shortened semi-final in Wellington on Wednesday, with Alyssa Healy hitting 129 and sharing a 216-run opening stand with Rachael Haynes as they eased to victory by 157 runs.
When the two sides met in their opening match in Hamilton earlier this month, England fell agonisingly short in an epic run chase as they were set a massive target of 311 and fell just 12 runs shy after a superb 109 not out from Nat Sciver.
Australia also emerged victorious in the Women’s Ashes series earlier this year, going unbeaten and winning the multi-format series 12-4 on points.
