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There is "no doubt" that the England women's cricket team will advance to the World Cup championship match, stated World Cup winner Alex Hartley after Nat Sciver-Brunt's side thrashed New Zealand to wrap up the preliminary round.

This victory enabled England end as runners-up in the standings behind title holders Australia, and they are scheduled to meet South Africa in the initial semi-final clash on Wednesday.

They are playing in Guwahati, the exact ground where England thumped the Proteas in their tournament opener by skittling them for only 69.

"England will take so much confidence into their match against South Africa," Hartley, a 2017 champion, shared with listeners.

"This location favors their bowling, the slower pitches and the way they utilize their slow bowlers.

"My instinct tells me, and there is absolute certainty that England will beat South Africa and progress to the title decider."

Overcoming Early Struggles

The English team have overcome some inconsistencies with the batting during the World Cup, particularly against weaker opponents Bangladesh and Pakistan, but have also demonstrated progress under high-stakes moments by squeaking past the Indian team in a close contest.

Contrastingly, South Africa ended their group stage with a comprehensive beating by Australia, enduring another batting collapse to spin as they were dismissed for 97, but the former spinner also advised that England should not take their rivals without caution.

"The England side are a superior side, but that does not imply that South Africa won't have their day.

"It has happened before in the short-format World Cup when they knocked out Australia last year, so England cannot approach the game overconfident - but they remain the favored contender."

England have beaten South Africa in the semi-finals of both previous editions of the World Cup, before their historic triumph over India at Lord's in 2017 and defeat by Australia in 2022.

Spin Dominance

The English bowling attack has stood out since the beginning of the tournament, especially the three spinners of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean - though they will be anxiously monitoring on the fitness of the first-mentioned after she injured her shoulder against the White Ferns.

Their batting order presented more concerns but starting batters Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who recorded their fourth stand of over fifty runs at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, have shown signs of their rhythm at a ideal time.

"We've seen a lot of questions about the two openers at the top of the order being able to handle the in-swinging ball," Hartley continued.

"Tammy has adjusted her technique and is batting on off-stump now and she seems a lot more assured. She would have wanted to make a bigger contribution against New Zealand but that starting combination is just finding its rhythm as we are getting down to the crucial phase.

"This is perfect - you aim to be performing your peak performance as you are entering the final rounds."

Middle Order

Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt have been consistent in every match but there are ongoing concerns over the middle order, which the team management adjusted against New Zealand but they were not needed in the comprehensive success.

The all-rounder, who found it tough at number six with a modest return in several games, was left out for her replacement while Alice Capsey was slotted to come in at number five rather than seven, trading positions with the out of form Sophia Dunkley.

The squad need to be ready to adjust as they revisit the turning track of Guwahati from the flatter pitches of Indore and Vizag, while the other semi-finalists play the other semi-final in Navi Mumbai, which is also the venue for the championship match on 2 November.