England into World Cup final after thumping South Africa

England Women are one win away from successfully defending the World Cup title after a crushing 137-run victory over South Africa set up a showdown with Australia in Sunday's final.

Danni Wyatt (129 off 125 balls) punished South Africa for dropping her four times as her second ODI hundred propelled England to 293-8 from their 50 overs in Christchurch.

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone then bagged 6-36 - the best figures by a bowler in this World Cup and her maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket - as South Africa were rolled for 156 in 38 overs.

England opener Wyatt was spilled on 22, 36, 77 and 116 with her first World Cup ton, and 116-run stand with Sophia Dunkley (60) for the fifth wicket, leaving the Proteas facing a daunting chase.

South Africa - whose wait for a maiden World Cup final appearance goes on - lost openers Laura Wolvaardt (0) and Lizelle Lee (2) inside four overs to slip to 8-2, Anya Shrubsole with both wickets.

Sune Luus' side never really recovered and Ecclestone, the top-ranked bowler in both ODI and T20 cricket, ran amok after coming into the attack in the 24th over with her dismissal of Trisha Chetty, stumped by wicketkeeper Amy Jones, wrapping up England's comprehensive victory.

Heather Knight's side's hopes of retaining the trophy were hanging by the proverbial thread after they lost their first three round-robin matches to Australia, West Indies and South Africa.

But they won their final four group games to secure a spot in the semi-finals and then overpowered South Africa, beating the Proteas in the last four for the second successive 50-over World Cup.

England are now aiming to topple favourites and six-time champions Australia, who have won all eight of their games in this year's competition