ENGLAND will face Australia in the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup final, after defeating South Africa in the semi final on Thursday.

Having failed to beat any of the other top sides all tournament, the English turned it on when they needed to and won by 137 runs.

The win came off the back off a stellar performance with the bat from Danielle Wyatt, and an incredible bowling display from Sophie Ecclestone.

The English were sent into bat, but it worked out better for them than it did the South Africans.

Although the English lost their first wicket cheaply, they would go on to post a whopping 8/293 off their 50 overs.

Wyatt smacked 129 in a tone-setting display, and was ably assisted by Sophia Dunkley, who made 60.

Meanwhile, the South Africans were their own worst enemy with the ball, conceding 20 extras for the innings, which included a whopping 16 wides.

The wicket taking duties were fairly evenly spread, with Shabnim Ismail picking up three wickets, and Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas picking up two each.

In reply, after South Africa lost both Lizelle Lee and Laura Woolvaardt for a combined total of two runs off their bats, it was always going to be a long road back for the Proteas.

They found themselves at 5/96 halfway through the 26th over, before Ecclestone went to work and ripped through the South African tail-end.

The Proteas were ultimately bowled out for 156 after 38 overs.

Mignon du Preez was the top scorer with only 30, while Lara Goodall was not too far behind with 28.

Meanwhile for the English, Ecclestone finished with six wickets, while Anya Shrubsole picked up two wickets and Kate Cross and Charlie Dean took one each.

The win sees England move on to face Australia in the final, which serves as a chance for redemption after a one-sided Ashes series earlier in the summer.