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It is "without question" that the England women's cricket team will advance to the World Cup championship match, remarked former spinner Alex Hartley after Nat Sciver-Brunt's side thrashed New Zealand to wrap up the initial phase.

The win saw England finish second in the table trailing reigning winners Australia, and they are set to play South Africa in the initial semi-final clash on Wednesday.

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

"The England squad will take so much confidence into their match against South Africa," Hartley, a World Cup winner, told the broadcast.

"This location benefits their bowling attack, the slower pitches and the manner they employ their slow bowlers.

"My instinct tells me, and there is no doubt in my mind that England will defeat South Africa and advance to the final."

Overcoming Batting Challenges

England have dealt with some stutters with the batting during the World Cup, especially against weaker opponents Bangladesh and Pakistan, but have also displayed growth under pressure by squeaking past tournament co-hosts in a four-run thriller.

On the other hand, South Africa concluded their preliminary phase with a heavy loss by Australia, suffering another innings meltdown to spin as they were bowled out for 97, but Hartley also advised that England ought not to disregard their rivals lightly.

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

"We have seen it in the T20 World Cup when they eliminated Australia last year, so England cannot approach the game complacent - but they remain the favored contender."

England have defeated South Africa in the semi-finals of the last two tournaments of the competition, prior to their historic triumph over India at Lord's in 2017 and setback by Australia in 2022.

Bowling Strength

Their bowling unit has stood out since the start of the World Cup, especially the spin bowling unit of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean - though they will be anxiously monitoring on the health of the former after she hurt her upper arm against the White Ferns.

The top and middle order raised more questions but openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who recorded their fourth partnership of more than fifty at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, have shown signs of their groove at a ideal time.

"There have been a lot of doubts about Jones and Beaumont at the top of the order being able to face the incoming delivery," Alex Hartley continued.

"Tammy has changed her approach and is positioning herself on off-stump now and she looks a lot more comfortable. She might have hoped 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 peak performance as you are getting into the latter stages."

Batting Depth

The captain and Sciver-Brunt have been consistent in every match but there are remaining doubts over the lower middle order, which head coach Edwards rejigged against New Zealand but they were unnecessary in the comfortable victory.

The all-rounder, who had difficulties at number six with 36 runs in several games, was dropped for her replacement while Alice Capsey was slotted to bat at number five rather than number seven, exchanging places with the out of form Sophia Dunkley.

England should be equipped to adjust as they revisit the turning track of Guwahati from the less responsive tracks of Indore and Vizag, while the other semi-finalists play the other semi-final in Navi Mumbai, which is additionally staging the final on the second of November.