GUWAHATI: Both started their World Cup campaign at this very venue four-weeks ago, against each other, but South Africa and England have had very different paths to the knockouts. When they meet at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium here in the first semifinal on Wednesday, South Africa will hope to bury the ghost of that ignominious campaign opener against the four-time champions for a place in the final.
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On Oct 3, the Proteas started their quest for their maiden ODI World Cup trophy with a 69 all out against the same opponents. Then they recovered to play some good cricket before suffering another batting collapse against the mighty Australians to be out for only 97 in their last league match. And in both losses, the SA batters’ vulnerabilities against quality spinners came to the fore.
Naturally, South Africa’s batting woes against the top two teams in the tournament will be a concern ahead of the semifinals, as they will once again be tested by an England side featuring quality spinners on a familiar track that has aided tweakers throughout.
Though England will be a little worried about Sophie Ecclestone’s availability for the semifinal, playing their third match of the World Cup over here, they will be more suited to exploit the spin-friendly conditions at Barsapara. Apart from Ecclestone, England’s best bowler so far with 12 wickets in sixes matches, they also have spinners like Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean in their arsenal.
Despite blow-hot-blow-cold performances, England have put up a more solid display. Barring a loss to seven-time champions Australia and a great escape against Pakistan in a rainmarred match in Colombo, England are worthy of a second-place finish after group stage, behind only Australia.
Captain, allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has been the pivotal character of the side while Heather Knight, wicketkeeper-opener Amy Jones and Tammy Beuamont have all been among the runs.
On the other hand, South Africa will rely on captain Laura Wolvaardt , opener Tazmin Brits and dependable allrounder Marizanne Kapp to deliver the goods in the batting department, while leftarm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba will be their best bet with ball in hand, with 11 wickets in the campaign so far. While all eyes will be on the weather and whether it stays good enough for play, England start as favourites.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
On Oct 3, the Proteas started their quest for their maiden ODI World Cup trophy with a 69 all out against the same opponents. Then they recovered to play some good cricket before suffering another batting collapse against the mighty Australians to be out for only 97 in their last league match. And in both losses, the SA batters’ vulnerabilities against quality spinners came to the fore.
Naturally, South Africa’s batting woes against the top two teams in the tournament will be a concern ahead of the semifinals, as they will once again be tested by an England side featuring quality spinners on a familiar track that has aided tweakers throughout.
Though England will be a little worried about Sophie Ecclestone’s availability for the semifinal, playing their third match of the World Cup over here, they will be more suited to exploit the spin-friendly conditions at Barsapara. Apart from Ecclestone, England’s best bowler so far with 12 wickets in sixes matches, they also have spinners like Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean in their arsenal.
Despite blow-hot-blow-cold performances, England have put up a more solid display. Barring a loss to seven-time champions Australia and a great escape against Pakistan in a rainmarred match in Colombo, England are worthy of a second-place finish after group stage, behind only Australia.
Captain, allrounder Nat Sciver-Brunt has been the pivotal character of the side while Heather Knight, wicketkeeper-opener Amy Jones and Tammy Beuamont have all been among the runs.
On the other hand, South Africa will rely on captain Laura Wolvaardt , opener Tazmin Brits and dependable allrounder Marizanne Kapp to deliver the goods in the batting department, while leftarm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba will be their best bet with ball in hand, with 11 wickets in the campaign so far. While all eyes will be on the weather and whether it stays good enough for play, England start as favourites.
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