England have notched up a commanding 137-run victory against South Africa, thus earning the ticket to the final against Australia in the ICC Women’s WC.

After England’s 293 in the first innings, South Africa had their backs against the wall. It was a tall score to chase, and the early first wicket trend continued.

However, it was Laura Wolvaardt, the in-form opener, who was dismissed without scoring. Anya Shrubsole reacted well and held on to a tantalizing return catch to dent the Proteas’ hopes in the second over.

Two overs later, Lizelle Lee was the next to go, when she flicked one straight to midwicket. Shrubsole had her second, and SA were already well behind as the required rate had already crossed 6.

Lara Goodall and Suné Luus added 36 runs, but this partnership foreshadowed how most of the rest of the innings would go about. Whenever the Proteas batters tried their level best to get out of trouble and play a few shots, the England bowlers were right up to the task and pushed them back with regular inroads.

A seaming off-cutter from Kate Cross went through Luus, and Goodall departed after moving across her stumps and completely missing an attempted scoop off Charlie Dean.

However, the worst was yet to come for SA. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone was finally introduced and took three wickets in her first four overs.

Mignon du Preez and Marizanne Kapp both had encouraging starts, but neither could score freely. And the wicket of the big-hitting Chloe Tryon all but sealed the deal for England.

Ecclestone took 6-26 and was the star for England.