A sublime personal-best century from Danni Wyatt has underlined a strong effort with the bat from England, as South Africa have 294 to chase.

With Australia winning the first semifinal against the West Indies, this game will decide who they’ll play in the championship match on Sunday.

Suné Luus won the toss and decided to bowl first at Christchurch. As usual, it was Marizanne Kapp again who drew the first blood, when Tammy Beaumont edged behind in the 4th over.

The testing opening spell continued, as Danni Wyatt and Heather Knight struggled to get bat on ball. The introduction of Ayabonga Khaka at first change brought about the second wicket, with the England skipper trapped in front. 

Nat Sciver came in at No 4, but her stay as well was a short one, as she skied an attempted pull straight to Kapp at midwicket.

England were 3 down for 77, but still had the willpower, as Wyatt scored at near a run a ball for most of her innings, and Amy Jones started to grow in confidence, too. Jones made sure the dots were converted to singles, putting the pressure right back on the Proteas. 

Any loose deliveries were duly punished, and this partnership threatened to wrest control of the game. However, it was yet another opportune breakthrough for SA, as Chloe Tryon took a brilliant catch under pressure to send Jones back.

The game took a sharp turn in favor of England from that point onwards – Sophia Dunkley proved to be a very capable second fiddle for Wyatt, and both were feeding each other’s strengths throughout a breathtaking century stand. Wyatt brought up her ton – only her second in ODIs – but it was an invaluable knock that could not have come at a better time.

Dunkley reached a half-century shortly after Wyatt departed for a tremendous 129. The wicket of Katherine Brunt seemed to slightly curb England’s final push but a few handy boundaries from Dunkley and Ecclestone within striking distance of a potential 300.

Another three boundaries from Ecclestone in the last over drove England to 293. There’s no doubt that they’ve amassed an imposing total on the board. 

It was a tough day for the bowlers with 20 extras not helping SA’s cause.

Do the South Africans have it in them to hunt it down, or will England back up the batting with a strong bowling display?

England 293/8 in 50 overs (Wyatt 129, Dunkley 60 – Ismail 10-0-46-3)