Amy Jones powers the England team to decisive victory over the White Ferns
There is "without question" that the England women's cricket team are destined for the Women's World Cup final, remarked ex-cricketer Alex Hartley following Nat Sciver-Brunt's side overwhelmed New Zealand to conclude the preliminary round.
Their success enabled England finish second in the table behind defending champions Australia, and they are scheduled to meet South Africa in the opening knockout match on Wednesday.
The match takes place in Guwahati, the same venue where England dominated the Proteas in their initial game by skittling them for only 69.
"The England squad will carry great assurance into their match against South Africa," Hartley, a World Cup winner, shared with listeners.
"Guwahati suits their bowling, the spin-friendly surfaces and the way they employ their spin bowlers.
"I just have a feeling, and there is no doubt in my mind that England will defeat South Africa and make it through to the final."
Resolving Early Struggles
The English team have overcome some stutters with the batting during the tournament, especially against lower-ranked sides Bangladesh and Pakistan, but have also shown improvement under tense situations by narrowly defeating co-hosts India in a close contest.
In contrast, South Africa ended their initial round with a comprehensive beating by Australia, experiencing another innings meltdown to spin as they were bowled out for 97, but the former spinner also advised that England should not take their rivals easily.
"England are a better team, but that does not imply that South Africa won't have their success.
"It has happened before in the short-format World Cup when they eliminated Australia last year, so England must not enter the game complacent - but they are indeed the favored contender."
The England women's team have defeated South Africa in the knockout stages of both previous editions of the competition, before their memorable victory over India at Lord's in 2017 and setback by Australia in 2022.
Spin Dominance
The English bowling attack has excelled since the start of the World Cup, particularly the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean - though they will be carefully watching on the fitness of the former after she damaged her shoulder against the Kiwi side.
Their batting order raised more questions but openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who recorded their fourth collaboration of more than fifty at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, have shown signs of their groove at a ideal time.
"Many have raised a lot of doubts about the two openers at the start of the batting being able to play the incoming delivery," Alex Hartley noted.
"Tammy has made a shift and is standing outside off-stump now and she seems a lot more at ease. She might have hoped to score more against New Zealand but that first-wicket stand is just starting to tick as we are approaching the decisive stage.
"This is perfect - you strive to be producing your best cricket as you are entering the knockout phase."
Middle Order
The captain and Nat Sciver-Brunt have been impressive throughout but there are remaining doubts over the batting middle order, which the team management rejigged against New Zealand but they were not needed in the comprehensive success.
Emma Lamb, who struggled at batting at six with limited scoring in five innings, was omitted for Danni Wyatt-Hodge while Alice Capsey was slotted to appear at number five instead of seven, exchanging places with the out of form Sophia Dunkley.
The squad should be equipped to adjust as they return to the spin-conducive pitch of Guwahati from the less responsive tracks of Indore and Vizag, while the other semi-finalists play the second semi in Navi Mumbai, which is additionally staging the championship match on November 2.
