England and South Africa clash in Women’s World Cup semi-final

BRISTOL (United Kingdom): England can book a place in the Women’s World Cup final if they beat South Africa on Tuesday as they go in search of a first major trophy in eight years.

The pair meet in the first semifinal at Bristol, a ground on which they played out a recordbreaking encounter earlier in this tournament.

Both sides surpassed the 300 mark on that occasion, going on to make 678 runs in total, the highest cumulative score in women’s oneday international history.

Opener Tammy Beaumont top-scored with 148 and will once again be the key threat for England.

Beaumont and Sarah Taylor (147) shared a 275-run stand in a match where England beat the Proteas by 68 runs.

But it was captain Heather Knight who led from the front with a valuable 62 as England defeated the West Indies at Bristol last Saturday to finish top of the group table, having won six straight games since a surprise opening loss to India.

“The best part about our squad is that someone steps up every single game,” said Beaumont.

“Heather had a crucial knock with the bat and then everyone did their bit with the ball and that’s really important.

“We all need to be on form heading into a semi-final.”

Their latest victory meant England could stay put to enjoy two full days of preparation in southwest city Bristol ahead of playing again in front of the loudest home support they’ve experienced during the World Cup.

They will, however, have to once again overcome new-ball duo Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, described as the “best opening pair in the world” by South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk.

Contenders for the most improved side in women’s cricket, this is South Africa’s first World Cup semi-final since 2000.

Whoever wins this contest will play either reigning champions Australia or India in Sunday’s final at Lord’s. - AFP