Proteas' World Cup dream shattered after England semi-final heartache

The Proteas wilted when it mattered most, delivering their worst performance of the Women's Cricket World Cup so far to go down by 137 runs in their semi-final against England in Christchurch on Thursday.

SCOREBOARD | World Cup semi-final - SA v England

England will now meet favourites Australia in the final, while the South Africans are eliminated at the business end of a major tournament once more.  

This is a repeat of the 2017 World Cup semi-final result, when England beat South Africa before going on to win the tournament.

Much more was expected of the Proteas this time around, however, given that they have risen to No 2 in the ODI rankings and that they had knocked over England during the group stages of the competition.

Where England got better as the tournament progressed, though, the Proteas lost momentum after a stellar start that saw them win their first four group stage matches.

All over ??Sophie Ecclestone takes six as England reach the #CWC22 final ?? pic.twitter.com/Wp9K666TS1

Having executed some impressive run chases in New Zealand, skipper Sune Luus opted to field first after winning the toss, which is a decision that will be scrutinised in the coming days given what transpired.

On a wicket as flat as any seen at the competition so far, Danni Wyatt sparkled brightest, carding a superb, match-winning 129 (125).

There was able support from Sophia Dunkley (60 off 72), but Wyatt was the star as England posted 293/8 from their 50 overs.

Shabnim Ismail (3/46 in 10) was the pick of the Proteas bowlers, but the South Africans were poor by their standards, bowling both sides of the wicket and at inconsistent lengths. There were a total of 16 wides bowled on the day with Ayabonga Khaka (1/66 in 10) and Chloe Tryon