South Africa Women v England Women predictions

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for South Africa Women v England Women in the World Cup semi-finals on Thursday morning.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 2am Thursday

Best bet

South Africa top opening partnership
1pt Evs bet365, Hills

Match preview

England have pulled off a great escape to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup, winning four matches in a row after losing their first three in New Zealand.

Heather Knight’s side take on South Africa in the last four
and will be eager to avenge a three-wicket loss to the Proteas in the group stage.

Marizanne Kapp did most of the damage that day, taking five for 45 before her useful knock of 32 helped South Africa chase down their 235-run target.

England will also have to be mindful of opener Laura Wolvaardt, who has plundered a tournament-leading 433 runs at an average of 61.85.

Wednesday night’s encounter is a repeat of the 2017 World Cup semi-final, which England won by two wickets with two balls to spare before going on to lift the trophy against India in the final.

Another tight affair looks likely but given the disappointing efforts of England’s openers, South Africa look the value to register the biggest opening partnership.

England’s average opening partnership over their seven games is 12.86, while the Proteas have averaged 27.71 for their first-wicket stand.

As they have already done throughout the tournament, England may leave it late to secure victory and progress to the final in the early hours of Sunday morning.

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