Women's WC: Titans to clash in big final

Defending champion England will face six-time champion Australia in the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup after beating South Africa by 137 runs Thursday in the tournament’s second semifinal at Christchurch.

Australia beat the West Indies by 157 runs in the first of the semifinals Wednesday. England began the tournament with three straight losses but sealed its place in back-to-back finals with a massive form reversal which culminated Thursday in its fifth consecutive victory.

South Africa came into the tournament ranked second in the world behind Australia and played to that ranking. Its only loss in the eight-team round-robin was to Australia, which is unbeaten ahead of Sunday’s final.

England, after its early losses to Australia, the West Indies and South Africa, steadily improved and, playing knockout cricket through its last five matches, fully turned the corner with wins over host New Zealand and India which clinched its semifinal spot.

“Sophie has been brilliant for us,” England captain Heather Knight said. “That’s her first five-for in international cricket and I thought she bowled outstandingly. She and Charlie Dean were really good on a wicket which had a little bit in it for them.”

Knight said England would start as long shots again in the final against Australia on Sunday.

“I think we’re going in as underdogs for sure but it’s a fresh slate isn’t it?” she said. “It’s a fresh slate on the morning of the game and what a story will be written for us if we can do it.”

Brief scores: England Women 293/8 in 50 overs (Danni Wyatt 129,Sophia Dunkley 60; Shabnim Ismail 3-46) beat South Africa Women 156 all out in 38 overs (Mignon du Preez 30; Sophie Ecclestone 6-36, Anya Shrubsole 2-27) by 137 runs.

Player of the match: Danielle Wyatt-129 (125)