ICC Women's CWC 2022 | SA-W vs ENG-W | 2nd Semi-Final Preview, Predictions, Fantasy XI

We are just two matches away from knowing who will lift the 12th edition of the ICC Women's World Cup. But before the final, there is a blockbuster awaiting us. In the second semi-final, South Africa Women will face the challenge from the defending champions England Women. The garden city in New Zealand is all set to host this mouth-watering fixture.

When these two sides met earlier in the tournament, it was a last-over thriller at Mount Maunganui. The match witnessed an all-round performance by Marizanne Kapp (5-wickets and a crucial 32 with the bat). On the bank of her performance, South Africa Women held their nerve to clinch a 3-wickets victory with 4-deliveries left.  

The Sune Luus-led side have been clinical in their act so far in the tournament. Five wins, one loss and a rain abandoned match saw them securing the 2nd spot on the points table. They have lost only one game against the mighty Aussie women's side. Apart from this, they had a dream World Cup. Out of the five wins, four were nail-biters which shows they haven't dominated any team in the competition.

The team management is a tad concerned about the form of Lizelle Lee. But the new No.1 ODI batter, Laura Wolvaardt's consistency, is an ominous sign for the opponents. Marizanne Kapp's all-round show is what the South African Women's side will expect. Moving into the knockout stages, they are likely to go with the same team unless there is an emergency.

After losing three games in a row to start their journey in the World Cup, England Women have done exceedingly well to reach this position. This is why they have four world titles in their trophy cabinet. The defending champions know exactly how to play in pressure situations. They needed to win all their last four games to play the semi-finals, and they have made an unbelievable comeback to achieve that. 

The Heather Knight-led side have all the bases covered coming into this. With 14-wickets so far in the tournament, Sophie Ecclestone is a player to watch out for. England Women's bowling is not an issue going ahead into this crunch game. If one can find any weakness in their team, that will be in their batting department. Though they have world-class batters in the squad with the likes of Knight and Sciver, they aren't consistent as they need to be. Other than this, there is nothing to worry about. They too will field the same playing XI.        

South Africa Women will want to take revenge for their semi-final loss in the last edition of the World Cup. If they do so, then it will be their first final appearance in the history of the World Cup. On the other hand, England Women will want to enter the finals for the 8th time. 

Who will meet Australia Women on Sunday (April 3, 2022) at Hagley Oval? Only time will tell.

Match Details

South Africa Women vs England Women- Second Semi-Final

Date and Time- March 31, 2022, 6:30 AM IST

Venue- Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Broadcast- Star Sports Network and Disney+Hotstar

Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval is ready for this thriller of a contest. The pitch will help the batters. This should be a run-fest. The bowlers need to be accurate with their line and lengths. The seamers will extract some pace and bounce from this wicket. The average score batting first is around the 260s. Toss-winning captain will get tempted to chase. Since it's a knockout game, batting first isn't a bad idea.

Weather Conditions

Although there will be dark clouds hovering in the early morning, it shouldn't affect the match's start time. Rest of the afternoon is sunny and clear.

Squads

South Africa Women

Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus(c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty(wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Sinalo Jafta, Tazmin Brits, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nonkululeko Mlaba.

England Women

Tammy Beaumont, Danielle Wyatt, Heather Knight(c), Natalie Sciver, Amy Jones(wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Charlotte Dean, Freya Davies, Anya Shrubsole, Natasha Farrant, Lauren Winfield-Hill, Emma Lamb.

Probable Playing XI

South Africa Women

Lizelle Lee, Laura Wolvaardt, Lara Goodall, Sune Luus(c), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Trisha Chetty(wk), Shabnim Ismail, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka.

England Women

Tammy Beaumont, Danielle Wyatt, Heather Knight(c), Natalie Sciver, Amy Jones(wk), Sophia Dunkley, Katherine Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross, Charlotte Dean, Anya Shrubsole.

CE Fantasy XI

Heather Knight, Sophie Ecclestone, Tammy Beaumont, Charlotte Dean, Katherine Brunt, Sune Luus, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka

Captain- Laura Wolvaardt

Vice-Captain- Natalie Sciver