DANNI WYATT said today she believes Sophie Ecclestone could succeed in men’s cricket after her six-wicket haul helped power England into the Women’s World Cup final with a dominant 137-run victory over South Africa.

Wyatt struck a maiden World Cup century in England’s 293 for eight before Ecclestone finished with figures of six for 26 from eight overs, her maiden international five-for, as the Proteas were bowled out for 156.

Heather Knight’s side have overcome their poor start to the tournament – opening their title defence with three consecutive defeats – and a fifth straight win set up a meeting with Australia in Sunday’s final.

Wyatt believes Ecclestone will add to her tally of five-fors, with the number one one-day international bowler just 22 years old.

“Soph bowled exceptionally well again today, she’s an absolute ‘GOAT’ and I’m so chuffed for her,” the England opener said.

“That’s going to be the first of many five-fors and she was absolutely unplayable today, especially with that pace and dip, a bit of turn as well that she was getting.

“I actually said to Nat [Sciver] on the pitch how she would go in men’s international cricket, I think she’s bowling exceptionally well at the minute and she’s not fun to face in the nets that’s for sure.”

Wyatt was dropped eight times on her way to 129 from 125 deliveries, including a memorable 116-run fifth-wicket stand alongside Sophie Dunkley, who made 60.

Wyatt, who missed out on playing in England’s 2017 World Cup final victory, was pleased with her contribution in the semi.

“Obviously really chuffed with how it went today, woke up this morning and really wanted to contribute to a win today and that’s what happened,” Wyatt said.

“Obviously got dropped a few times but that’s cricket and you’ve got to cash in on days like today, so really happy with how it went.”

South Africa had only lost once in the tournament before the semi-final – to favourites Australia – and got the better of a close game against England when they faced each other in the group stages.

Proteas captain Sune Luus was left to rue fielding mistakes, including the opportunities to dismiss Wyatt on 22 and 36 before she went on to make a century.

“I think we always pride ourselves on our fielding and to not take those chances tonight, I think as a fielding unit we are very disappointed in that,” Luus said.

“But at the end of the day, I still think 290 was a good score to chase. We just didn’t apply ourselves with the bat.

“But it’s been a good campaign for us so I don’t think we’re going to define ourselves by the game we played tonight.”