SA lose last over thriller to miss out on final

England hold nerve to win by 2 wickets

Bristol – Sarah Taylor struck a vital half-century to help England book a place in the Women’s World Cup final as they beat South Africa by two wickets at Bristol yesterday.

Taylor 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 their 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.

The result bodes well for England as they go in search of their first piece of silverware in eight years, having won both previous World Cups they hosted.

Earlier, SA pair Laura Wolvaardt and Mignon du Preez recorded half-centuries as they reached 218/6, after captain Dane van Niekerk elected

South Africa are the lowest-ranked side to make it into the knockout rounds

to bat first with sunny blue skies overhead.

England did make an early breakthrough when Anya Shrubsole bowled Lizelle Lee for 7.

But teenager Wolvaardt took charge and laid the foundations for SA’s innings, scoring her fourth half-century of the tournament, which came off 81 balls and included six fours.

South Africa, the lowest ranked side to reach the knockout rounds of the tournament, experienced a difficult start to the second innings as they struggled with their lines.

Ayabonga Khaka found it easier going, though, and accounted for both openers, as Du Preez caught Lauren Winfield and Khaka sent Tammy Beaumont’s bails flying.

But Anya Shrubsole smashed her first delivery for four to win it and take England through to a sell-out Lord’s final – against either defending champions Australia or India – on Sunday.