Ahead of the World Cup, England were the more fancied of the two teams clashing in the second semi-final. However, on current form, South Africa may claim to be the favourites, having won five matches and losing only to Australia. England, on the other hand, lost their first three matches, but came back strongly to win four on the trot and qualify.
A key contributor to South Africa’s success has been Laura Wolvaardt. Currently the top-ranked batter in the world, she is the highest run-scorer of this tournament, with 433 runs and five fifties. She played some exceptional shots in their last match, against India, setting up the stage for an enormous chase. Her opening partner Lizelle Lee is not in great form, but her experience should come handy. Sune Luus and Mignon du Preez have contributed regularly, while Chloe Tryon is always a threat down the order.
However, South Africa's strength lies in their Their much-vaunted pace attack. Shabnim Ismail (11 wickets), Ayabonga Khaka (11), and Marizanne Kapp (10) have all reaped rewards, bowling in pairs at various times of the innings. Kapp also starred in the group match against England with 5-45.
With 273 runs and four wickets, Nat Sciver has been England's most prolific player. Contributions have also come from Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, and Heather Knight, while Sophia Dunkley contributed with quick runs in the lower middle order.
Sophie Ecclestone, the top-ranked bowler in the world, leads the tournament's wickets chart with 14 wickets, while her spin twin Charlie Dean has 10. All eyes will be on them.
Likely XIs
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus (c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka.
England: Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver, Amy Jones (wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Kate Cross, Anya Shrubsole.
Fantasy tips
- The in-form Wolvaardt and Sciver cannot be missed. Other batting options include Beaumont, du Preez, and Dunkley.
- Among bowlers, focus on Ismail, Khaka, Klaas, Ecclestone, and Dean.
Fantasy XI
Amy Jones (wk); Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Lara Goodall; Nat Sciver, Marizanne Kapp (vc); Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka.