Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss in Guwahati and, without much hesitation, asked South Africa to bat. The logic was straightforward: a fresh surface, some morning nip for the seamers, and the knowledge that England have chased well all tournament.
The only real talking point for England was Sophie Ecclestone’s sore shoulder. She jarred it while diving in the previous match against New Zealand. A scan showed nothing more than a minor joint issue, so the left-arm spinner remains in the XI. “She’ll probably be playing through a little bit of pain but she’s a player who doesn’t want to be sidelined at all,” Sciver-Brunt said. England otherwise stay unchanged, meaning Danni Wyatt-Hodge keeps her middle-order spot ahead of Emma Lamb.
South Africa, out-played when these sides met on the opening weekend, have tinkered. Masabata Klaas sits out and all-rounder Anneke Bosch comes in, giving Laura Wolvaardt an extra batting option to partner Nadine de Klerk in the closing overs. “We just felt like it’s something we needed, having someone to bat longer at the end with Nadine, who’s been amazing for us at this tournament,” the South African captain explained.
Both camps downplayed talk of revenge or favourites. England know they bowled South Africa out for 69 first time around, but conditions today look kinder for batting. South Africa, for their part, have grown into the competition; De Klerk’s late-innings hitting and Chloe Tryon’s spin-power combo have papered over a few top-order stutters.
The winner moves on to Sunday’s final, where Australia or India await. It feels familiar territory for England; less so for South Africa, who are eyeing their first global final. Yet neither side is at full tilt — Ecclestone’s shoulder on one side, the Proteas’ still-shuffling batting order on the other. Small margins, as ever.
Teams
England: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
