This video can not be played England knock out holders New Zealand to reach T20 semis Former spinner Alex Hartley says England are playing their best cricket for "years" and she is "very confident" about their chances in Thursday's T20 World Cup semi-final.

England progressed to their meeting with South Africa at The Oval with five wins from five in Group 2 and a series of impressive performances. But they have not won a World Cup since 2017, faltering in underwhelming fashion in five knockout matches across those nine years.

"They look good," Hartley, 32, told BBC Test Match Special. "I don't want to put the mockers on them. I am going into the semi-finals nervous, because we haven't seen them under pressure and it's where England have crumbled and failed over the last three or four years, but I am very confident."

England piled up 219-1 in an 89-run victory against Sri Lanka on the opening night of the tournament before a nervy four-wicket win over Ireland, in which captain Nat Sciver-Brunt injured her calf. Since then England have brushed aside Scotland, West Indies and New Zealand to build momentum before the semi-finals.

Opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge is the tournament's leading run-scorer while Charlie Dean has stood in ably for Sciver-Brunt. Coach Charlotte Edwards, who was brought in at the start of last summer after the Ashes clean sweep down under, appears to have brought a calm steel to the dressing room.

"I have been so impressed with them," said Hartley. "They are the best [England] team I have seen for a good few years. They seem to have everything covered. I think they have one of the best bowling attacks in the world and with the bat, Danni Wyatt-Hodge is in the form of her life."

South Africa finished second in Group 1 behind Australia, who beat West Indies on Tuesday to secure their place in Sunday's final at Lord's. The Proteas have beaten England in the sides' past two semi-final meetings - at the 2023 T20 World Cup and last year's 50-over World Cup - but were unconvincing through much of the group stage.

Women's T20 World Cup semi-final: England v South Africa Ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app, which will also have live text commentary and video highlights. Perry gives Australia injury scare in semi-final win Women's T20 World Cup: Pick your team of the tournament England never been more confident going into semi - Edwards.