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There is "absolutely certain" that England are destined for the World Cup championship match, stated World Cup winner Alex Hartley after Nat Sciver-Brunt's side overwhelmed New Zealand to finish the group stage.

The win saw England secure second place in the group table trailing title holders Australia, and they are set to play South Africa in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

The match takes place in Guwahati, the same venue where England dominated the Proteas in their initial game by dismissing them for only 69.

"The England squad will take tremendous self-belief into their game against South Africa," Hartley, a World Cup winner, shared with the broadcast.

"The Guwahati venue suits their bowling attack, the slow tracks and the manner they employ their slow bowlers.

"I just have a feeling, and there is no doubt in my mind that England will overcome South Africa and progress to the title decider."

Resolving Inconsistencies

The English team have overcome some inconsistencies with the bat during the tournament, notably against less-fancied teams Bangladesh and Pakistan, but have also shown improvement under high-stakes moments by squeaking past the Indian team in a nail-biting finish.

On the other hand, South Africa ended their preliminary phase with a brutal defeat by Australia, suffering another batting collapse to slow bowling as they were dismissed for 97, but Hartley also warned that England must not underestimate their rivals without caution.

"England are a better team, but that does not mean that South Africa can't have their moment.

"We have seen it in the Twenty20 World Cup when they ousted Australia last year, so England cannot go into the game assuming victory - but they remain the favored contender."

England have defeated South Africa in the semi-finals of both previous editions of the World Cup, before their memorable victory over India at Lord's in 2017 and defeat by Australia in 2022.

Bowling Strength

England's bowling has stood out since the outset of the competition, particularly the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean - though they will be carefully watching on the fitness of the former after she hurt her upper arm against the New Zealand.

The top and middle order presented more concerns but starting batters Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who added their fourth stand of more than fifty at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, have begun to discover their form at a very convenient time.

"Many have raised a lot of concerns about the opening pair at the beginning of the innings being able to handle the in-swinger," Hartley continued.

"Tammy has made a shift and is standing outside off-stump now and she seems a lot more at ease. She would have wanted to score more against New Zealand but that first-wicket stand is just starting to tick as we are getting down to the decisive stage.

"That is ideal - you strive to be producing your top form as you are entering the final rounds."

Lineup Adjustments

Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt have been consistent all tournament but there are remaining doubts over the batting middle order, which head coach Edwards reshuffled against New Zealand but they were unnecessary in the comprehensive success.

Emma Lamb, who had difficulties at number six with a modest return in five matches, was omitted for Danni Wyatt-Hodge while the young batter was slotted to appear at the fifth spot instead of the seventh position, swapping with the underperforming Sophia Dunkley.

The squad need to be ready to modify their game as they return to the turning track of Guwahati from the less responsive tracks of Indore and Vizag, while the other semi-finalists contest the subsequent knockout in Navi Mumbai, which is also the venue for the final on the second of November.