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It is "absolutely certain" that the England women's cricket team will advance to the World Cup championship match, said World Cup winner Alex Hartley after Nat Sciver-Brunt's side thrashed New Zealand to wrap up the initial phase.

The win enabled England finish second in the group table after reigning winners Australia, and they are set to play South Africa in the opening knockout match on Wednesday.

The match takes place in Guwahati, the identical location where England dominated the Proteas in their first match by bowling them out for a mere 69 runs.

"England will carry tremendous self-belief into their game against South Africa," Hartley, a 2017 champion, shared with BBC Test Match Special.

"The Guwahati venue favors their bowling unit, the slow tracks and the manner they utilize their spinners.

"My instinct tells me, and there is no doubt in my mind that England will overcome South Africa and progress to the title decider."

Overcoming Inconsistencies

England have surmounted some stutters with the bat during the tournament, notably against lower-ranked sides Bangladesh and Pakistan, but have also demonstrated progress under high-stakes moments by squeaking past the Indian team in a nail-biting finish.

In contrast, South Africa ended their preliminary phase with a comprehensive beating by Australia, suffering another innings meltdown to spin bowling as they were bowled out for 97, but Hartley also advised that England ought not to disregard their competitors without caution.

"The England side are a better team, but that is no guarantee that South Africa can't have their moment.

"We have seen it in the T20 World Cup when they ousted Australia last year, so England cannot go into the game complacent - but they are the stronger team."

England have defeated South Africa in the final four of both previous editions of the tournament, prior to their historic triumph over India at Lord's in 2017 and defeat by Australia in 2022.

Bowling Strength

England's bowling has excelled since the beginning of the tournament, especially the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean - though they will be nervously waiting on the fitness of the Ecclestone after she damaged her shoulder joint against the White Ferns.

The top and middle order raised more questions but starting batters Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who recorded their fourth partnership of over fifty runs at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, have started to find their rhythm at a opportune time.

"We've seen a lot of concerns about the two openers at the top of the order being able to face the in-swinging ball," Alex Hartley continued.

"Beaumont has adjusted her technique and is standing outside off-stump now and she looks a lot more comfortable. She might have hoped to get more runs against New Zealand but that starting combination is just starting to tick as we are entering the nitty gritty.

"That is ideal - you want to be playing your top form as you are getting into the final rounds."

Lineup Adjustments

The captain and Nat Sciver-Brunt have been consistent throughout but there are remaining doubts over the middle order, which head coach Edwards rejigged against New Zealand but they were not needed in the eight-wicket win.

The all-rounder, who found it tough at the sixth position with 36 runs in five innings, was left out for her replacement while the young batter was listed to appear at number five rather than number seven, exchanging places with the out of form Sophia Dunkley.

The squad must be prepared to adjust as they return to the spin-conducive pitch of Guwahati from the more batting-friendly surfaces of Indore and Vizag, while India and Australia contest the second semi in Navi Mumbai, which is also the venue for the title decider on the second of November.