Marizanne Kapp shouts instructions to her field as we all wait for the countdown.

The South Africa seamer bowls full and slightly wide. Amy Jones shoulders her arms. Dot ball.

Firdose Moonda
Cricinfo journalist on Test Match Special

Image source, Getty Images

It is a new, fresh audience for this type of cricket.

Women's cricket is here to stay.

South Africa huddle together on the outfield. Plenty of sunglasses and baseball caps - it looks glorious out there.

The in-form Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Amy Jones go through their final preparations before sprinting to the middle.

Here we go.

Jem Green
CricViz data analyst

In women's T20 internationals, the average first-innings score at The Oval has been 152 but to post a winning total, this has had to be in excess of 170.

Image source, Getty Images

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been passed fit for today's game after a lot of work behind the scenes.

The all-rounder used many well-known techniques to aid her recovery - ice, compression, physio treatment and oxygen therapy - but also one never used before by the women's cricket team.

Sciver-Brunt underwent magnetic resonance therapy, an uncommon treatment sometimes called MBST. It uses electromagnetic energy to encourage cell healing and is more regularly used to treat arthritis.

The 33-year-old had seven hour-long sessions "sitting and not moving with my leg in a horseshoe-shaped thing", saying she "threw everything at" getting fit again.

While the treatment is uncommon, legendary former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal has spoken about using similar treatments.

Read more.

Matthew Henry
BBC Sport journalist at The Oval

Kal apologises but then gets another dig in. You know who your real friends are.

For context - Matt went to an event earlier and was mistaken for the catering team (after buying new trousers for the occasion).

Anyway...

The umpires make their way to the field, followed by both sides - each player accompanied by a young mascot.

The real shame are your trousers, Matt.

Matthew Henry
BBC Sport journalist at The Oval

If you're wondering why the crowd is lower than you'd expect here, it's because the Underground is a nightmare. Delays everywhere. It's a real shame.

Image source, Getty Images

And then there were three. Who do you think is going all the way in this competition?

My esteemed colleague Matt Henry has written this feature on how Charlie Dean stepped up as stand-in skipper to steer England into the T20 World Cup semi-final.

I’m plugging it because a) it’s a superb read and b) I mocked Matt for his fashion style earlier and this is my way of apologising.

A glorious evening in store for those fortunate enough to be watching live at The Kia Oval.

England: Amy Jones (wk), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), 4 Alice Capsey, Heather Knight, Freya Kemp, Dani Gibson, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "We are going to have a bowl first and hopefully we can have a chase later.

"We think that (our order) will be the best match-up today.

"There's still room for improvement. That is the important thing. We have found ourselves in the semis without playing great yet.

"We can draw back on memories (from matches against England) but they are a quality side and we will do our best."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "I was going to have a bowl as well but I wasn't too worried about it to be honest. Really excited to get out there.

"Danni Wyatt-Hodge has been on a brilliant roll since the beginning of the tournament and everyone has shown their skills since the beginning.

"Everyone is feeling really confident in what they've done. We're in a good spot and hopefully we can perform out there."

Matthew Henry
BBC Sport journalist at The Oval

This is the third time this pitch has been used. Is it surprise South Africa are batting last?

Nat Sciver-Brunt calls tails but it falls down heads. First advantage to South Africa as Laura Wolvaardt elects to field first.

A date with Australia at Lord’s on Sunday awaits the winner.

After Australia’s emphatic win over West Indies in the first semi-final, this one should be a much tighter contest.

South Africa have not always looked completely fluent with the bat in this tournament. Their pace attack, though, has been excellent.

England barely missed a beat in the three games Nat Sciver-Brunt was injured, but having their captain and premier all-rounder back is a major lift.

This super sporting summer of 2026 continues with an England side two wins away from being crowned world champions.

Image source, Reuters

The hosts have home advantage, five wins from five and Nat Sciver-Brunt back fit, but South Africa know how to hurt them in knockout cricket.

Image source, Reuters