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There is "absolutely certain" that England will reach the Women's World Cup final, said former spinner Alex Hartley following Nat Sciver-Brunt's side overwhelmed New Zealand to wrap up the group stage.

This victory enabled England end as runners-up in the table trailing title holders Australia, and they are set to play South Africa in the opening knockout match on Wednesday.

The match takes place in Guwahati, the exact ground where England thumped the Proteas in their tournament opener by bowling them out for only 69.

"England will bring tremendous self-belief into their match against South Africa," Alex Hartley, a 2017 champion, shared with the broadcast.

"Guwahati favors their bowling attack, the spin-friendly surfaces and the manner they use their spin bowlers.

"I truly believe, and there is complete conviction that England will overcome South Africa and make it through to the final."

Addressing Inconsistencies

England have overcome some stutters with the bat during the tournament, particularly against weaker opponents Bangladesh and Pakistan, but have also displayed growth under pressure by squeaking past co-hosts India in a close contest.

On the other hand, South Africa concluded their group stage with a heavy loss by Australia, experiencing another innings meltdown to spin as they were bowled out for 97, but Hartley also cautioned that England ought not to disregard their competitors easily.

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

"We have seen it in the Twenty20 World Cup when they ousted Australia last year, so England cannot go into the game assuming victory - but they are the stronger team."

The England women's team have defeated South Africa in the final four of earlier versions of the World Cup, prior to their memorable victory over India at Lord's in 2017 and setback by Australia in 2022.

Bowling Strength

Their bowling unit has stood out since the outset of the World Cup, particularly the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith and Charlie Dean - though they will be carefully watching on the fitness of the Ecclestone after she injured her shoulder joint against the Kiwi side.

The top and middle order presented more concerns but starting batters Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, who achieved their fourth collaboration of 50-plus at Visakhapatnam on Sunday, have shown signs of their form at a ideal time.

"There have been a lot of concerns about the two openers at the beginning of the innings being able to handle the in-swinging ball," Alex Hartley added.

"Tammy has adjusted her technique and is batting on off-stump now and she looks a lot more comfortable. She might have hoped to make a bigger contribution against New Zealand but that opening partnership is just finding its rhythm as we are entering the nitty gritty.

"That's what you want - you aim to be performing your top form as you are reaching the latter stages."

Lineup Adjustments

The captain and Sciver-Brunt have been consistent in every match but there are still question marks over the middle order, which head coach Edwards reshuffled against New Zealand but they were unnecessary in the comprehensive success.

The all-rounder, who had difficulties at the sixth position with a modest return in several games, was dropped for Danni Wyatt-Hodge while Alice Capsey was slotted to appear at five instead of the seventh position, trading positions with the struggling Sophia Dunkley.

England need to be ready to adapt as they revisit the spin-conducive pitch of Guwahati from the less responsive tracks of Indore and Vizag, while India and Australia battle in the subsequent knockout in Navi Mumbai, which is also the venue for the championship match on November 2.