LIVE: Knight, Sciver-Brunt lead England recovery
The hosts take on South Africa in the second semi-final of the Women's T20WC
England will look to maintain their unbeaten run as they take on South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 at The Oval on Thursday.
The hosts are on a dominant run, having won all five of their group stage matches. They also received a boost ahead of the crunch clash as skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt was deemed fit to play.
After an inconsistent showing at the group stage, 2024 finalists South Africa are hoping to play to their potential in the knockouts.
Road to recovery
After South Africa dominated powerplay, England have got a toehold in the game. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and Heather Knight have helped England to 68/3 in 10 overs.
SA dominate early exchanges
Shabnim Ismail had landed another blow as she traps Alice Capsey leg before wicket.
South Africa have dominated powerplay, holding England to 35/3 in six overs.
Kapp on fire
Marizanne Kapp has crashed through the defences of Danni Wyatt-Hodge, the leading run-scorer this tournament. Kapp has been incisive, getting the new ball to swing. She bowled Wyatt-Hodge with a ball that nipped in.
Fiery start by South Africa, reduce England to 20/2 in 2.2 overs.
Marizanne Kapp with an absolute pearler | Women's T20WC 2026
Marizanne Kapp produces an absolute pearler to remove Danni Wyatt-Hodge at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026.
Ismail strikes early
South Africa's pace duo at it again. Marizanne Kapp bowled a tight first over, conceding only 3 runs.
Shabnim Ismail opens her spell with the wicket of Amy Jones, who slashed the ball straight to Annerie Dercksen at point.
It was Ismail's 50th T20 WC scalp, making her the first to the milestone.
Shabnim Ismail lands the first blow | Women's T20WC 2026
Shabnim Ismail makes early inroads in her first over, dismissing Amy Jones at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Toss update
South Africa have won the toss and elected to field against England.
England playing XI: Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amy Jones (wk), Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Danielle Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
South Africa playing XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
England v South Africa | Catch The Spirit Match Preview | Women's T20WC 2026
Catch The Spirit of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as the 2009 edition champions England take on two-time finalist South Africa in the second semi-final.