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Anthems
In the battle of the anthems, a crushing win for South Africa. A jaunty South African one – which must be in the top three world anthems – players with one arm on shoulders, one hand on chest. England line up arm in arm for a rapid rumble of God Save the King.
The pitch isn’t the same as the one where England skittled South Africa at Guwahati. “Mumbai soil” NSB was told by the the groundsman – and Nasser has had a look. “There was black soil in the first week, it was slow and low. This is a red soil pitch, there will be a bit more bounce, more in it for the seamers.
And Nasser on Nat":“She’s a quietly spoken person, a quiet demeanor about her, she’s authentic. You want someone to be who they are, she is as a captain what she is as a human being. I thought I learnt more about her in the India game by the way she kept her team in that game, the way she chose the 49th and 50th overs, the fielding. [If things get tense today] she can be quiet, she has to have a presence about her.”
NAtalie Germanos has said that the key battle for South Africa is how they bat against the spin – to not be too hesitant. Nasser says that everyone this tournament has played for spin for Smith when there is none.
South Africa XI
South Africa XI: 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
England XI
England XI: 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
England win the toss and will bowl! Ecclestone fit.
Nat Sciver Brunt bats: “I think putting the pressure on them with the bat, and under lights it will be easier to chase. Hold your nerve, trust the process, acknowledge the occasion and have a great time.”
And they are unchanged – Ecclestone is fit! If playing through a bit of pain.
Laura Wolvaardt would have bowled too: “But runs on the board aren’t a bad thing. We’re playing an extra batter, it felt like something we’ve needed in the last few games.” Anneke Bosch replaces Klaas.
Preamble
Roll up your sleeves, this is where it gets messy. We’re back in Guwahati, where England sliced through South Africa in the first match of the tournament – all parcelled up and ready to post for 69.
But this time, it’s different. The teams have had nearly a month to adjust to conditions and this is the knock-out – the prize of a final against either India or Australia within touching distance.
History – for what it’s worth. England have beaten South Africa both times they’ve met previously in a semi-final. South Africa have never played in a 50-over World Cup final. England have played in nine, winning four.
Neither side has been at their best this tournament, both have had flashes of brilliance, both have batting line-ups that can topple like dominoes if the big dogs don’t bark. England are obvious favourites, but the cricket gods may know better.
Play starts at 9.30am GMT. Join us, it should be fun.
