ICC CWC 2022 | 'We have to bring our best' - Anya Shrubsole confident of defending title

As the 2022 ICC Women's World Cup continued to throw surprises, England knocked out South Africa from the tournament, beating them in the second semi-final by 137 runs.

England rode on Danielle Wyatt's brilliance with the bat to record a total of 293 runs on the scoreboard. From thereon, it was the Sophie Ecclestone show with the ball as the left-arm spinner crashed into South Africa's batting lineup and claimed six wickets, bowling the Proteas out for mere 156 runs.

With this win, the defending champions have managed to enter the final, which will see them battling against the arch-rivals, Australia. While the Meg Lanning-led Australia are still unbeaten in the tournament, England seems positive about their chances of defending the crown.

Anya Shrubsole, who picked up crucial two scalps of South Africa's openers today, said that England are full of confidence, heading into the all-important clash on Sunday. For England to defend the title, Anya asserted that they would have to be their absolute best against Australia.

"I probably wouldn't have thought [we'd be here] when we were busy losing three on the bounce at the start of the tournament. We've got to be at our best again. We've got to perform similar to how we did [against South Africa] but it's a one-off game and anything can happen. I can't wait," Anya said as quoted by Sky Sports.

"We ran them pretty close at times during the Ashes and we know if we play our best cricket we'll be there or thereabouts. To put in a performance like that in the semi-finals is absolutely what you want, so we're full of confidence going into Sunday and really looking forward to it," the 30-year-old added.

The pacer added that England recovered well after the initial setbacks and will aim to finish the tournament on a high.

"We always say it's not about how you start, it's how you finish and it would seem we're coming into form just at the right time," Anya expressed.

Australia and England will lock horns in the 2022 World Cup final on April 3 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.