South Africa will be hoping to continue their strong tournament form as they take on England for a spot in the final of the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
With regular captain Dane van Niekerk unavailable due to injury, Sune Luus has taken the reins and guided a strong South African side peaking at the right time through the round robin with just a single blemish on their record, a defeat to the powerhouse Australian side.
Their hopes were ended by hosts England five years ago during the last edition of this competition and it is again Heather Knight’s side who confront the South Africans in the last four.
England have battled back from losing their first three games, settling upon a preferred team make-up to win their final four games and qualify third from the group - with, perhaps ominously, several batters seemingly rediscovering something resembling their best touch.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the clash:
When and where is it?
The second semi-final of the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup between South Africa and England is due to start at 2am BST, and will be held at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Where can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game on Sky Sports’ Main Event and World Cup channels, with coverage beginning at 1.30am BST. The match will also be streamed live via the channel’s YouTube page, while subscribers can access coverage on the Sky Go app.
Team News
South Africa are likely to be unchanged from the side that ended India’s hopes. Much of this squad were part of the South African XI beaten in Bristol in 2017, but arrive at this stage in-form and full of confidence. In stylish opener Laura Wolvaardt, they have the tournament’s most consistent batter, while Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail form a potent seam-bowling trio.
Lisa Keightley has tinkered with the balance of her England side during both The Ashes and the World Cup, but appears to have settled on a bowling-heavy approach. Danni Wyatt hit her way back into form against Pakistan and should partner Tammy Beaumont at the top of the order, while Sophia Dunkley’s 67 against Bangladesh showed her value at number six. A rested Anya Shrubsole should return in the place of Freya Davies.
Predicted lineups
South Africa XI: Lee, Wolvaardt, Goodall, Luus (c), du Preez, Kapp, Tryon, Chetty (wk), Ismail, Klaas, Khaka.
England XI: Beaumont, Wyatt, Knight (c), Sciver, Jones (wk), Dunkley, Brunt, Ecclestone, Shrubsole, Dean, Cross.
Odds
South Africa win 13/10
England win 4/6
Prediction
It’s exceptionally tough to call. England have the tournament-winning pedigree and there are signs that the batting lineup may be starting to click, but South Africa are riding high on a fine tournament and have the top end bowling ability to make early in-roads and exploit vulnerabilities in the English XI. It could be very, very tight indeed, and the toss may be key. South Africa to win by two wickets/five runs.
