England battle South Africa for place in Women's T20 World Cup final

England are aiming to book their place in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as they take on South Africa in a high-stakes semi-final at The Oval in London.

The hosts entered the knockout stage unbeaten after winning all five of their group matches and were widely regarded as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. South Africa, meanwhile, secured their semi-final place after finishing second in their group and are hoping to repeat their recent success against England in World Cup knockout matches.

South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first, making an immediate impact by reducing England to 23-3. Early wickets left the home side under pressure, but captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and former skipper Heather Knight steadied the innings with an impressive partnership to rebuild England's total. Sciver-Brunt produced a composed half-century while Knight provided valuable support as England fought back.

England's batting line-up has been one of the strongest in the tournament, with Danielle Wyatt-Hodge enjoying an outstanding World Cup and Sophie Ecclestone leading the bowling attack. South Africa have relied heavily on captain Laura Wolvaardt, all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and pace bowler Shabnim Ismail throughout the competition.

The winner of the semi-final will face Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup final after the defending champions secured their place in the tournament's showpiece match earlier this week.

With a place in the final at Lord's on the line, both teams are determined to take the final step towards lifting one of the biggest prizes in women's cricket.