England Women Vs South Africa Women .

It's going to be a battle between hosts England's batting might and South Africa's robust bowling as the two teams face off in the first semifinal of the ICC Women's World Cup 2017 in Bristol on Tuesday (July 18). There's more than just pride at stake for three-time champions England, who haven't made it to the final since their title win in 2009. Contrary to that, by progressing to the knockouts, South Africa have already exceeded expectations, and the prospect of making their first-ever final at the expense of a pre-tournament favourite will keep the side motivated even if the odds are against them England have been an unstoppable force since their opening round shock defeat to India and head into this all-important contest with six wins on the bounce, and after topping the points table. Their victories have come on the back of formidable batting performances and, enroute, he hosts have registered the two highest scores of this edition - 377 and 373. In Tammy Beaumont, who has two centuries under her belt, and the ever-dependable skipper Heather Knight, England boast of two of the top-five leading scorers in their ranks, and have two more in the 250-plus club - the most amongst all sides who made it to semis. On the rare occasion when the accomplished batters didn't quite hit the brief, the lower order stepped up to the plate to showcase the batting depth that gives the home side an undeniable edge. However, in their only defeat thus far, spin proved to be England's undoing and that's something South Africa would do well to take note of. Leg-spin allrounder Dane van Niekerk has led from the front, registering as many as three four-fers in six outings to lead the tournament bowling charts with 15 scalps, and has Sune Luus for company, who registered her fourth career fifer recently, albeit in a losing cause against Australia. Together with World No.1 and this edition's second-most celebrated bowler, Marizanne Kapp, South Africa have an envious bowling attack that can exploit the flaws in England's otherwise dominant batting. That didn't go to plan in their league meeting when the home side marched to a daunting total of 373. South Africa's strike bowlers slipped up in that crucial contest, offering too much width to Beaumont and Sarah Taylor and the pair capitalised on every opportunity to pile on the runs and records, invariably putting pressure on the spinners, who have otherwise been on the money consistently. Their reply though was more spirited as South Africa posted the first-ever 300-plus total in a chase, even though it went in vain. Their explosive batting might not have made headlines consistently but with the semifinal lined up at the same venue as their history-making league encounter, the hosts would know better than to take them lightly. ngland have made Bristol an impregnable fortress for them in this tournament, enjoying three of their most memorable wins here, with the most vocal crowd turnout. More importantly, they have coped up well with the expectations that come along with being the hosts. South Africa, though, have to be on top of their game to make history, but it is the tag of underdogs that liberates them. England would be wary of that, for it's their free-spirited outlook that has brought South Africa so far. When: England vs South Africa, 1st semifinal on July 18 at 9:30am GMT, 3:00pm IST Where: County Ground, Bristol What to expect: Bristol has seen some tall scores during the course of this tournament and the first semifinal could likely be another high-scoring game. The weather forecast for the day is mostly cloudy, with a high of 28 degrees. England: Laura Marsh hasn't quite lived up to the expectations since her four-fer against Sri Lanka in the league stage and could make way for England's first-choice offspinner Danielle Hazell. Since her return from finger injury, Lauren Winfield too hasn't quite provided the starts that's been expected of her but it is unlikely that the management would drop the explosive opener. South Africa: South Africa rested Chloe Tryon for their final league game against Australia but expect the vice-captain to line-up for the semifinal, at the expense of medium-pace allrounder Masabata Klaas, who hasn't been very impressive in the limited opportunities she got. the best part of our squad is that someone different steps up every single game. It is really key that everyone is on song for the semi-final," Tammy Beaumont is pleased with the team's show in the lead up to the knockouts. We're excited, we know any team that is in the semi-final is going to be tough to beat so we're going to have to bring our very best. I don't think there's any pressure on us at all, I don't think most people thought we would be here. In that sense I'm very proud of the girls," Dane van Niekerk feels the team is pumped for their first semifinal appearance in 17 years.