London, July 1 (IANS) South Africa aims to continue their impressive run as they face unbeaten hosts England in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at The Kennington Oval on Thursday. A spot in Sunday’s final against Australia is on the line.

The Proteas head into this knockout match with strong confidence after bouncing back from an early loss to Australia. They won four of their next five games. Their campaign peaked against India, where Marizanne Kapp delivered a standout performance, scoring an unbeaten 81 and taking 2/27 to help South Africa secure a place in the last four.

In contrast, England has appeared to be the most well-rounded team in the tournament, winning all five of their group matches. The return of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt from injury provides a significant boost. Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge has shone as the top batter with 282 runs in five innings at an average of 94, including an unbeaten 89 at The Oval.

South Africa’s hopes will once again rely heavily on Kapp, supported by experienced pace bowlers Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka, along with left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. Captain Laura Wolvaardt, who was out for a duck against Bangladesh in the final group match, will seek to lead strongly.

England’s batting depth has been a key factor in their success, achieving totals of 164, 186, and 219. Alice Capsey has contributed to explosive finishes, while Sophie Ecclestone has effectively controlled the middle overs with her reliable left-arm spin.

The Oval has mostly favoured teams chasing during this tournament. Australia easily chased down the West Indies’ 125 in the first semi-final at the same venue. The conditions provide early support for seamers, and evening dew may make bowling first a preferred choice.

Though England will be the favourites to reach their first Women’s T20 World Cup final since 2018, South Africa has already proven they can challenge the tournament’s top teams. Another inspired performance from Kapp could lead the Proteas to a second consecutive global final.

Match details:

When: Thursday, July 2 at 7:00 PM IST

Where: The Oval, London

Where to watch: The second semifinal between South Africa and England will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on JioStar

Squads:

England:

Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

South Africa:

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk

–IANS

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