RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesOlivia Tchine, left, scored 41 goals from 43 attempts to help England beat South Africa [Getty Images]
England's netballers reached the Commonwealth Games semi-finals after producing a pulsating comeback to beat South Africa 58-54.
With both sides tied on six points but the Roses ahead of the Proteas on goal average in pool A's second spot going into the game, England had to avoid defeat to progress.
Elmere van der Berg was in fine form early on to fire South Africa into a six-goal lead at the end of the first quarter with 16 of her nation's 17 goals, leaving England facing an uphill task.
But some excellent and aggressive defensive work by second-quarter substitute Halimat Adio helped England spring multiple counter-attacks to claw their way back to just 29-28 down at the halfway stage.
The Roses started to take control in the third quarter, opening up a seven-goal lead at one stage before the Proteas netted three times in quick succession to go into the final 15 minutes 43-39 behind.
Both sides then went blow for blow in a compelling final quarter with 15 goals apiece, but 2018 champions England held on to ensure they maintained their record of qualifying for every Commonwealth Games semi-final since the inaugural netball event in 1998.
England will face New Zealand in the last four on Saturday, while South Africa's wait for a first semi-final since 1998 goes on.
Commonwealth Games netball final pool standings
'England don't shy away from pressure'
London Pulse team-mates Halimat Adio and Funmi Fadoju proved to be a formidable defensive partnership [Getty Images]
England captain Fran Williams was full of praise for her whole team after Olivia Tchine scored 41 goals and Lois Pearson netted 17 times, but she picked out goalkeeper Adio in particular for her remarkable display from the bench.
"I feel like she was unreal for us from that second quarter," Williams told TNT Sports.
"So proud of her, bringing that energy to get us back in the game when we needed it."
The 28-year-old said there was "no denying" England have been under pressure all week to perform and challenge for a medal.
"So for us to be able to finish out a game like that, riding the wave of goal for goal and to come out on top, just so proud of the team," Williams added.
"We don't shy away from [pressure]. We are the first people to put the pressure on ourselves because we know what we are capable of in our own environment.
"We've got so many young heads out there that are showing experience way beyond their years. I just want to try and be that rock for them and let the others shine around me."
Highest-ranked nations collide in semi-final
It is perhaps no surprise that the four highest ranking nations in the world have reached the semi-final.
Australia - the world number one, four-time Commonwealth Games winners and reigning champions - are undoubtedly the team to beat once again in 2026.
They will face Jamaica on Saturday, who have never won gold in the competition but came agonisingly close in the 2022 final when they were beaten 55-51 by the Diamonds.
The number four ranked Sunshine Girls have won bronze on three occasions.
Two-time winners and world number two side New Zealand beat England, who are currently ranked third, in the bronze medal match at the last Games but have not won gold since claiming back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2010.
Semi-final
Australia v Jamaica - Saturday, 1 August (09:00 BST)
New Zealand v England - Saturday 1, August (13:00)
Bronze medal match
Sunday, 2 August (09:00)
Gold medal final
Sunday, 2 August (13:00)
Commonwealth Games daily schedule
Commonwealth Games medal table and results
What are the Commonwealth Games?
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