England ease into World Cup final against Australia after thumping South Africa in semi-finals | Cricket News

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Danni Wyatt’s century helped England trounce South Africa by 137 runs in Christchurch

England Women are one win away from successfully defending the World Cup title after a crushing 137-run victory over South Africa set up a showdown with Australia in Sunday’s final.

Danni Wyatt (129 off 125 balls) punished South Africa for dropping her four times as her second ODI hundred propelled England to 293-8 from their 50 overs in Christchurch,

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone then bagged 6-36 – the best figures by a bowler in this World Cup – as South Africa were rolled for 156 in 38 overs.

Heather Knight’s side’s hopes of retaining the trophy were hanging by the proverbial thread after they lost their first three round-robin matches, to Australia, West Indies and South Africa.

But they won their final four group games to secure a spot in the semi-finals and then overpowered South Africa, beating the Proteas in the last four for the second successive 50-over World Cup.

South Africa’s wait for a first World Cup final appearance goes on, with England now aiming to topple favourites and six-time champions Australia, who have won all eight of their games in this year’s competition and eased into Sunday’s showpiece with a 157-run demolition of West Indies.

More to follow.