South Africa, in only the second game of the CricInfo Women's World Cup, has arrived at its pivotal point of the tournament.

It meets England tomorrow and if it is to be a semi-finalist, South Africa must win.

South Africa's comprehensive loss to India in its opening game was the least South Africa could afford.

England, which beat South Africa 3-2 in a series in England earlier this year, had the benefit of a confidence-boosting win over the Netherlands in its opening game.

While it wasn't a severe test for England, it did show its batting power with Charlotte Edwards' unbeaten 139 a welcome tonic for her.

Barbara Daniels and Edwards are key wickets for the South Africans to target, but after the mauling by the Indian bowlers, South Africa's own batsmen need to get among the runs.

They may be helped by the pitch for the game.

The BIL Oval has a superior pitch to that at Hagley Oval in downtown Christchurch where India beat South Africa yesterday.

With more bounce, pace and carry, the South Africans may feel more at home.

England also cannot afford to take the South Africans lightly, if that was ever going to be the case, because they must face up

© CricInfo