All-rounder Alice Capsey has called on England to maintain their winning momentum when they face New Zealand at The Oval in their final group fixture, as the team looks ahead to the T20 World Cup semi-finals. England have already secured a last-four berth and top spot in Group B, which ensures they will avoid a semi-final clash with Group A leaders and six-time champions Australia.

England made it four wins from four with a commanding 38-run victory over the West Indies at Lord's on Thursday, watched by head coach Charlotte Edwards. While the hosts have handled the pressure of playing on home soil comfortably so far, Capsey acknowledges that sterner tests lie ahead. New Zealand, the defending champions, must win this match and hope other results go their way to keep their semi-final hopes alive after eliminating Scotland in their previous outing.

Capsey remains cautious about the White Ferns' threat. "We know they're a brilliant side. They've got a few match-winners in there, and we know that we'll have to play our best to beat them," she said. "It looks like a lovely pitch, so I'm sure it'll be a great game of cricket, but it's about continuing our momentum in this tournament and heading into that semi-final, hopefully, with a win."

She emphasised the importance of focusing on controllables: "For us, it's about focusing on what we can control. We're controlling how we want to approach New Zealand, making sure we get everything done and that we're as well prepared as we can be. Whatever happens with how the groups lay at the end, that's how they'll lay. Every team is putting their hand up , there's been some amazing close games, and it's been amazing to see as a viewer, let alone as a player. Regardless of who we face in the semi-final, it's going to be a brilliant game, but our focus is on New Zealand."

Off the field, the team has had to cope with challenging conditions during the ongoing heatwave, including air conditioning problems and a water and power outage at their previous accommodation. Capsey confirmed they have since moved to a new hotel in Battersea. "It was carnage that day! But we've moved to a lovely hotel in Battersea, and on our rest day we enjoyed mooching around and seeing what Battersea has to offer. And a few fewer aircon issues, to say the least," she joked. With the Met Office forecasting a high of 33°C on Saturday , though no longer under a red warning, an amber alert remains , the team is grateful for the improved conditions.

Capsey added: "Every game in a World Cup is an opportunity to mark your stamp on the tournament. Every game is so crucial. We set pretty high standards for ourselves, and this will be another opportunity to raise those standards even further."
Capsey added: "Every game in a World Cup is an opportunity to mark your stamp on the tournament. Every game is so crucial. We set pretty high standards for ourselves, and this will be another opportunity to raise those standards even further."