Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
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| Image credit: Getty Images |
The semi finals of the first ever standalone Women’s World T20 are just around the corner, and the stakes are getting higher by the moment.
England can put one foot in the semi finals with a win over South Africa, which from the beginning of the tournament represented their biggest test on paper to date. A washout against Sri Lanka could have seen an increase in nerves among an England camp with a number of youngsters, but they managed the situation expertly against Bangladesh. Will they take a huge step towards the semi finals?
For South Africa, it is a matter of what could have been right now. Losing 9/28 to lose a game from a very strong position can dent confidence, but it’s vital skipper Dane van Niekerk has her team focusing on the good moments against West Indies. South Africa have the talent to cause England issues, but how well will they recover from a loss tough to take?
Key to an England win
21-year old Kirstie Gordon was impressive on debut vs Bangladesh, and the challenge will be to show consistency across matches as she develops her career.
By her side though is an experienced bowling attack that will seek to target South Africa’s batting issues with strategy and precision. Anya Shurbsole, Natalie Sciver and Sophie Ecclestone make up an experienced bowling attack, who were in the wickets against Bangladesh. If South Africa are able to make a good start, will England maintain the belief that they can pick up quick wickets? Of course, wickets at the top will push South Africa right back, and force them to dig deep after a big collapse against West Indies.
Also, England have only batted 9.3 overs in this tournament so far due to rain, so it is important their batters find form both for the sake of this game and their future in this tournament. Heather Knight will be a key cog in the middle order, and is surrounded by talent. Can the likes of Danielle Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont and Natalie Sciver nullify South Africa’s pace threat?
Key to a South Africa win
Looking at the South African side, one feels they can compete on the bowling front, but can they with the bat?
The bowlers did the job beautifully against West Indies, before all the good work was undone in quick time. Lizelle Lee and Marizanne Kapp both tried their best against West Indies, but badly lacked support, with those two the only batters to reach double figures. More is needed from Laura Wolvaardt and Dane van Niekerk, who was run out in the last game to really start the procession of wickets. Can the South African batting step up, building partnerships right throughout the innings on the way to a competitive total?
If South Africa bat well, they are a chance with their bowling. Shabnim Ismail has been absolutely brilliant, taking 6/22 in eight overs across the two games. Can she repeat her brilliance again to help keep South Africa alive in the tournament? Good support from the likes of Marizanne Kapp, Moseline Daniels and Dane van Niekerk will be just as vital to South Africa’s cause.
Possible teams
England: 1. Danielle Wyatt, 2. Tammy Beaumont, 3. Amy Jones (wk), 4. Natalie Sciver, 5. Heather Knight (c), 6. Lauren Winfield, 7. Anya Shrubsole, 8. Sophia Dunkley, 9. Sophie Ecclestone, 10. Linsey Smith, 11. Kirstie Gordon
South Africa: 1. Lizelle Lee (wk), 2. Laura Wolvaardt, 3. Marizanne Kapp, 4. Dane van Niekerk, 5. Sune Luus, 6. Mignon du Preez, 7. Chloe Tyron, 8. Shabnim Ismail, 9. Masabata Klaas, 10. Moseline Daniels, 11. Tumi Sekhukhune
Stats and Facts
- Last five matches between the two sides: England three wins, South Africa two.
- England scored 250 against South Africa in June. Tammy Beaumont hit 116 off 52 balls.
- South Africa bounced back to beat England in the next game.
Prediction
South Africa’s batting does not inspire too much confidence right now, which is why I predict England will win.
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