Women's World Cup: England edge out South Africa to enter final

Sarah Taylor struck a vital half-century to help England book a place in the Women's World Cup final as they beat South Africa by two wickets at Bristol yesterday

Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor struck a vital half-century to help England book a place in the Women's World Cup final as they beat South Africa by two wickets at Bristol yesterday. Taylor hit 54 off 76 balls to give England control of the match before a mini collapse created a nail-biting finish.

Yet England, set 219 to win, held their nerve to complete their second highest successful run chase in World Cup history, built on the third-wicket partnership of 78 between Taylor and Heather Knight.

Taylor showed her intent straight away with the bat and looked in supreme form before being run out by Van Niekerk four runs after reaching her half-century.

Earlier, South Africa pair Laura Wolvaardt and Mignon du Preez recorded half-centuries as they reached 218 for six. Teenager Wolvaardt took charge for South Africa's innings, scoring her fourth half-century of the tournament, which came off 81 balls.

Mithali Raj's India play Australia in the second semi-final on Thursday.

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