At The Oval, England looked in serious trouble early in their innings after losing three wickets for just 23 runs. However, a match-defining partnership between captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight transformed the contest and helped England recover from a shaky start to post a competitive total of 169 for 5.

South Africa, chasing 170 for victory, never managed to build sustained momentum and eventually finished on 129 for 8 from their 20 overs. Sciver-Brunt’s all-round contribution earned her the Player of the Match award as England moved one step closer to another world title.

The semi-final began on a positive note for South Africa after they won the toss and opted to field. Their bowlers immediately put England under pressure, reducing the hosts to 23 for 3. The English batting line-up struggled against disciplined spells from Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp, while the team managed only 16 runs during the powerplay, their lowest powerplay score of the tournament.

With the innings in danger of collapsing, Sciver-Brunt and Knight steadied the situation before gradually shifting the momentum in England’s favour. The pair added 133 runs for the fourth wicket from just 90 deliveries, frustrating the South African attack and accelerating during the middle overs.

Returning to the side after missing three matches because of a calf injury, Sciver-Brunt looked in complete control throughout her innings. She struck 75 runs from 47 balls, including 11 boundaries and a six, showing little sign of discomfort despite concerns over her fitness ahead of the knockout stage.

Knight provided ideal support at the other end. The experienced batter compiled 58 runs from 47 deliveries and reached her half-century with a six off Ayabonga Khaka. Although both batters fell within three deliveries of each other late in the innings, they had already laid the foundation for a challenging total.

South Africa’s bowling effort was highlighted by Ismail and Kapp. Ismail claimed two wickets while Kapp delivered an economical spell, conceding just 16 runs in her four overs. Despite their efforts, England’s late surge ensured the target remained a daunting one.

The match also witnessed a significant individual milestone. Ismail became the first woman in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup to take 50 wickets in the tournament. She achieved the feat by dismissing England opener Amy Jones with the very first ball of the match.

South Africa’s chase required one of the biggest successful run pursuits in Women’s T20 World Cup history, but England’s bowlers kept the pressure firmly on. Captain Laura Wolvaardt started confidently but was dismissed by Sophie Ecclestone, who also produced a series of crucial catches in the field.

Tammy Beaumont’s side continued to control the game as wickets fell at regular intervals. Tazmin Brits fought hard for South Africa and brought up a half-century, briefly keeping hopes alive. However, support from the middle order never arrived.

Charlie Dean’s spin proved particularly effective during the latter stages, while England’s fielding remained sharp throughout the innings. Brits and Kapp both departed attempting to accelerate, leaving South Africa with too much work to do in the closing overs.

The defeat ended South Africa’s campaign, while England advanced to their first Women’s T20 World Cup final in several years. They will now face defending champions Australia at Lord’s on Sunday in what promises to be one of the biggest matches in women’s cricket this year.