ENGLAND are the first team in Group B through to the semi finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, after defeating South Africa by 26 runs.

After Alice Capsey starred with the bat, a tight bowling performance saw the English nab the win and the semi final booking.

The English got sent into bat, and although they lost their first wicket after only seven balls, they already had 10 runs on the board.

However, that first dismissal brought Capsey to the crease, who despite being at only her first international tournament is proving she belongs at this level. She was the backbone of the innings, as the English went about building what turned out to be a very competitive score of 5/167 off their 20 overs.

South Africa only conceded two extras too, so England’s massive score really was all their own doing.

Capsey was the star with the bat, making a half century, while Katherine Brunt finished on 28 not out and Amy Jones made 36.

For South Africa, it was Shabnim Ismail who was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/27 off her four overs.

In response, the South Africans got off to a strong start, but once they lost their first wicket that really scored their scoring momentum. No one was able to match the partnership that openers Anneke Bosch and Tazmin Brits were able to put together.

The Proteas did only lose four wickets, but the slowed up scoring meant that they could only reach 4/141 off their 20 overs.

England actually conceded more extras with the ball then the South Africans had, but bowled much tighter and recorded a lot more dot balls.

Laura Wolvaardt made 41 not out, Brits made 38 and Bosch made 32, but it was ultimately enough.

Meanwhile for the English the wicket taking was quite evenly spread, with Natalie Sciver, Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone and Freya Kemp all picking up a wicket.