Sune Luus chose to chase as South Africa went in search of their first win at a World Cup over England in 20 years, since the last time the tournament was held in New Zealand. Though England have the historical advantage, they are winless from two matches in the tournament so far and are looking to get their first points on the board as the semi-final race hots up.
England made a tactical change to their XI and dropped Lauren Winfield-Hill, who made scores of 0 and 12 so far, promoted Danni Wyatt to open and created room for offspinner Charlie Dean. On a dry surface, under blue skies, Heather Knight expected slower bowling would play a role, which prompted England’s decision.
South Africa did not go a similar route and stuck to the team that narrowly beat Bangladesh and Pakistan. That meant no room for left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, with Chloe Tryon and Luus to share spin-bowling duties, and no changes to the batting line-up. Tazmin Brits, who opened in the first match and batted No. 3 in the second with returns of 8 and 2 respectively, kept her place with Luus and Mignon du Preez in at Nos. 4 and 5.
South Africa are in third place on the points table and victory will see them break away from a cluster of four teams on four points and sit in second place.
South Africa: 1 Laura Wolvaardt, 2 Lizelle Lee, 3 Tazmin Brits, 4 Sune Luus (capt), 5 Mignon du Preez, 6 Marizanne Kapp, 7 Chloe Tryon, 8 Trisha Chetty (wk), 9 Shabnim Ismail, 10 Masabata Klaas, 11 Ayabonga Khaka
England: 1 Danni Wyatt, 2 Tammy Beaumont, 3 Heather Knight (capt). 4 Nat Sciver, 5 Amy Jones (wk), 6 Charlie Dean, 7 Sophia Dunkley, 8 Katherine Brunt, 9 Sophie Ecclestone, 10 Kate Cross, 11 Anya Shrubsole