South Africa has its task cut out against England

They have looked good, this England team.

They have, in fact, looked good enough to pose a real challenge to Australia. Something nobody had has really managed to do at this T20 Women’s World Cup.

And it cannot get better much bigger than a final between the two bitter Ashes rivals at Lord’s on Sunday. But, for the host, there is this small matter of getting past South Africa in Thursday’s semifinal at the Oval.

And South Africa is one side that has caused problems for the English women at ICC events. True, the Proteas haven’t been as dominant in their campaign as their rival, but their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, who had hit a hundred and three half-centuries against India in a T20I series only a few months ago, is due for a big knock.

And there is also that lionhearted all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who could influence a game, with both and ball, as she showed against India in that virtual quarterfinal in the Group of Death.

Kapp forms part of a formidable South African pace attack spearheaded by Shabnim Ismail. But they will be up against a powerful England batting line-up, in which Danni Wyatt-Hodge has run into some ominous form, having notched up scores like 105 not out, 89 not out and 65. With 282 runs, at an average of 94 and strike-rate of 153.26, she is the tournament’s leading scorer by a mile.

The return of skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt from injury – she hasn’t played since returning hurt during England’s second match, against Ireland a fortnight ago – could make life even more difficult to the South African bowlers. England also has a sharp bowling attack, featuring some quality spinners.

Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean form a formidable trio. And Lauren Bell ensures it is not just all about spin.