England Women have won every match they’ve played at this tournament. Five group games, five wins — including a 9-wicket dismantling of New Zealand and an 87-run thrashing of Sri Lanka in their opening match. On Thursday, July 2, they face South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final at The Oval in London, with the first ball at 6:30 PM local time.

England have never lost a T20 or ODI World Cup played on home soil. That record has become a point of focus for the dressing room rather than something to be anxious about. Five wins from five has made this tournament feel like theirs to lose.

South Africa’s Path to the Semi-Final

South Africa came through Group B as runners-up behind Australia. Their only group stage defeat was to the tournament favourites. They beat India in a match that proved decisive for the qualification standings — and that win counts, because India were one of the stronger sides in the group.

But South Africa were not always convincing. Games against Bangladesh and Pakistan showed vulnerabilities, particularly with the bat under pressure. For a side that has now reached three consecutive World Cup semi-finals, the ability to grind through a close game is there. Converting that into a final appearance is what has eluded them.

South Africa’s Long Wait for a World Title

South Africa reached the final at the previous two editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup. They lost both. A title has stayed just out of reach for a side that has been building steadily for years. Beating an unbeaten England team on their home ground at The Oval would be their biggest result in women’s cricket to date.

That pressure runs both ways. England know what is expected. They know the record. A loss here would end what has looked, for five matches, like a potential title-winning campaign. Both sides have something to prove on Thursday night.

The Final and What’s at Stake

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 runs from June 12 to July 5 across England and Wales. The final is scheduled for Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 5. Any team that wins the semi-final on July 2 will play in one of the most recognised grounds in world cricket three days later.

Semi-Final 1 earlier on Thursday pairs Australia against West Indies at The Oval, before England and South Africa take the field for the second match of the day. The two semi-finals — both at The Oval — make it a full day of cricket for fans in London.

The England vs South Africa Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final starts at 6:30 PM BST at The Oval, London, on Thursday, July 2. The winner plays the final at Lord’s on July 5.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)

Which teams are in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals?

The four semi-finalists are England, South Africa, Australia, and West Indies. Australia face West Indies in Semi-Final 1, while England face South Africa in Semi-Final 2, both at The Oval on July 2.