Taylor steers England into World Cup final

Bristol, UK - Sarah Taylor struck a vital half-century to help England book a place in the Women's World Cup final as it beat South Africa by two wickets at Bristol on Tuesday.

Taylor, back in an England shirt for this tournament after a year out of the game, hit 54 off 76 balls to give England control of the match before a mini collapse created a nail-biting finish.

Yet England, set 219 to win, held its nerve to complete their second highest successful run chase in World Cup history, built on the third-wicket partnership of 78 between Taylor and England captain Heather Knight (30).

Earlier, South Africa pair Laura Wolvaardt (66) and Mignon du Preez (76 not out) recorded half-centuries as it reached 218 for six, after captain Dane van Niekerk elected to bat first with sunny blue skies overhead.

England goes to sell-out Lord’s final - against either defending champion Australia or India - on Sunday. The other semifinal will be held on Thursday.