Published: Jul 18, 2017, 12:22 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 18, 2017, 12:23 PM (IST)
On Tuesday, England lost the second Test by a whopping 340 runs against South Africa. The very next day, their counterpart, women, will look to avenge the loss against the same nation in the first semi-final of ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.
In the group stage, Tammy Beaumont and Sarah Taylor had smashed the South African bowlers to pulp. They added 275 runs together, the highest partnership for any wicket in World Cup. Taylor smote 147 off 104 decorated with 24 fours. Her partner in crime Beaumont scored a mere run more than her, but Sarah’s walloping strike rate of 141.3 placed her ahead for the Player of the Match award.
Their record partnership took England to 373 for 5, registering fifth highest total in an ICC event. However, England could not keep a tight leash on the South African batters despite the colossal total.
Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Lizelle Lee took the bull by its horn and added 128 runs. Cloner Tryon provided late flourish with 54 off 26, but could not bail her team out as wickets kept collapsing at the other end. England limited South Africa at 305 for 9, winning it by 68 runs.
Game plan
It has been a trend among the top teams that they do not toy much with their playing XI. For that matter, England did not change theirs in the last two matches.
Likely XI for England: Lauren Winfield, Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Taylor (wk), Heather Knight (c), Natalie Sciver, Fran Wilson, Katherine Brunt, Jenny Gunn, Anya Shrubsole, Laura Marsh, Alex Hartley
Same has been the case with South Africa. And England captain Knight believes that South Africa cover all bases. “South Africa have a really good all round team. They have a team to suit all sorts of pitches. They have a lot of pace up front and then leg-spinners in the middle and some pretty destructive batters,” said Knight ahead of the game.
Likely XI for South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt, Lizelle Lee, Trisha Chetty (wk), Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Dane van Niekerk (c), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Moseline Daniels
After the drubbing against India in the opening game, England won all their 6 matches. South Africa, on the hand, won 4 and lost 2. “We have put the loss to India behind us and we have gone from strength to strength as the tournament has progressed. There are still a few areas our coach will want us to work on, but that is the good thing about us: we always want to learn and we always want to get better and we have a chance to do that,” added Knight.
Dane, the South African captain, has taken 15 wickets, and is confident about her team performing at their best. ” We’re excited, we know any team that is in the semi-final is going to be tough to beat so we’re going to have to bring our very best. “I don’t think there’s any pressure on us at all, I don’t think most people thought we would be here. In that sense I’m very proud of the girls, it’s our first semi-final since 2000. I’m really excited to be in this position and the girls are really excited for the challenge ahead.”
Squads
England: Heather Knight (captain), Tamsin Beaumont, Katherine Brunt, Georgia Elwiss, Jenny Gunn, Alex Hartley, Danielle Hazell, Beth Langston, Laura Marsh, Natalie Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sarah Taylor (wk), Fran Wilson, Lauren Winfield and Danielle Wyatt
South Africa: Dane van Niekerk (captain), Trisha Chetty (wk) Moseline Daniels, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Odine Kirsten, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Raisibe Ntozakhe, Chloe Tryon and Laura Wolvaardt
