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.

England have announced a revamped 15-member squad for the opening Test against New Zealand at Lord’s, making several major changes after their disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia earlier this year. The squad, revealed on Wednesday, marks the beginning of a new phase under recently appointed national selector Marcus North, who has introduced fresh faces and recalled experienced players in an attempt to rebuild England’s red-ball setup ahead of an important home summer.

The biggest talking point from the squad announcement is the exclusion of opening batter Zak Crawley. Once regarded as one of England’s most promising Test batters, Crawley has struggled for consistency over the last year, and his poor returns in the Ashes series eventually forced the selectors to look elsewhere. Replacing him is Durham opener Emilio Gay, who has been rewarded for his exceptional performances in county cricket this season.

Gay has been one of the standout performers in the County Championship, scoring 552 runs at an impressive average of 92, including three centuries. The 24-year-old left-hander is expected to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett and could make his Test debut at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground when the three-match series begins on June 4.

Another notable inclusion is Somerset youngster James Rew, who has been selected as a backup batter and wicketkeeping option. Rew has consistently impressed in domestic cricket with his calm batting temperament and adaptability. England see him as one of the future prospects in red-ball cricket, and his inclusion signals the selectors’ willingness to invest in youth ahead of the next World Test Championship cycle.

The squad also includes uncapped fast bowler Sonny Baker from Hampshire. Baker recently grabbed attention with a five-wicket haul in county cricket and has earned his maiden national call-up. England management believes his raw pace and attacking style could prove useful, especially with injuries affecting the pace department.

England’s bowling attack has undergone significant changes due to the absence of several senior fast bowlers. Mark Wood and Brydon Carse have both been ruled out because of injuries, creating opportunities for others to step up. One of the biggest beneficiaries is Ollie Robinson, who returns to the Test setup after nearly two years.

Robinson’s comeback follows a strong domestic season with Sussex, where he recently picked up six wickets and demonstrated improved rhythm and fitness. The tall seamer is expected to play a key role alongside Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue in England’s pace attack. Robinson’s ability to maintain tight lines and extract movement from English conditions could be crucial against a strong New Zealand batting lineup.

Captain Ben Stokes is also likely to contribute with the ball. Since recovering from previous fitness concerns, Stokes has gradually increased his bowling workload and may once again be used as a fourth seam option during the series.

England have selected two spin options in the squad — Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir. Young leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed continues to be viewed as one of England’s exciting all-format talents. He is currently part of Delhi Capitals in the IPL but will join the national squad ahead of the series. Bashir, meanwhile, has impressed with his control and consistency in county cricket while representing Derbyshire.

Conditions at Lord’s traditionally favor seam bowlers, so England may opt for only one specialist spinner in the playing XI. However, both Rehan and Bashir are expected to play important roles during the series, particularly if the pitches begin to wear later in the matches.

The rest of the batting lineup features several familiar names, including Joe Root and Harry Brook. Root remains England’s most experienced batter and will once again be central to the team’s middle-order stability. Brook, despite an inconsistent Ashes series, continues to enjoy strong backing from the team management due to his aggressive batting style and match-winning potential.

Jacob Bethell has also retained his place in the squad after showing promise in recent appearances. Jamie Smith will continue as the primary wicketkeeper, while Matthew Fisher provides additional pace-bowling depth.

England’s squad announcement also included a historic coaching decision. Former England women’s star Sarah Taylor has been appointed as the fielding coach for the men’s Test team during the New Zealand series. She becomes the first woman to work with the senior England men’s side in such a role.

Taylor has been brought in on a short-term basis to replace Carl Hopkinson, who is currently working with Mumbai Indians in the IPL. Widely regarded as one of the best wicketkeepers and fielders in women’s cricket history, Taylor’s appointment has been praised as a progressive step by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

The upcoming Test series against New Zealand is expected to be an important challenge for England as they look to rebuild confidence after their Ashes disappointment. The selectors’ decision to make seven changes reflects a clear intent to refresh the squad and reward domestic performances.

New Zealand, known for their disciplined bowling and resilient batting, are expected to provide strong competition. England will hope that the blend of youth and experience in the squad helps them start the home summer positively and lay the foundation for future Test success.

The full England squad for the first Test includes Ben Stokes (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Emilio Gay, James Rew, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.

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