England Women vs South Africa Women – 1st Semifinal, ICC Women's World Cup 2025

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 09:30 AM GMT | 03:00 PM IST
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

Match Preview

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is set to witness a thrilling first semifinal as England Women clash with South Africa Women at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The match, scheduled for October 29 at 09:30 GMT, is a high-stakes encounter with both teams aiming to advance to the final.

England, the dominant force in women’s cricket for over a decade, will look to continue their legacy with a strong performance. South Africa, on the other hand, will be inspired by their resilient campaign in the tournament and will aim to create history by ending England’s reign.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total ODI Matches: 47
• England Wins: 36
• South Africa Wins: 10
• No Result/Tied: 1

England have historically dominated this rivalry, but the Proteas have shown improvement in recent years, with a win in the most recent ODI in October 2025.

Form Guide

England Women:
Ending the group stage on a high with a win over New Zealand, England have been consistent in both batting and bowling. Batters such as Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight have consistently provided strong starts, while the spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, and Charlotte Dean has been instrumental in tight matches.

South Africa Women:
Despite a defeat in their final group match against Australia, South Africa’s campaign has been impressive. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt has been in sublime form, scoring over 300 runs in the tournament at an average of 50.2. The middle order, however, has been a concern, and the team will need to find more depth to succeed in knockout cricket.

Venue and Pitch Report

Barsapara Cricket Stadium is known for producing a batting-friendly surface. The pitch offers good bounce and carry early on, giving fast bowlers initial assistance. As the match progresses, the ball grips and turns more, favoring spinners. Overcast conditions could also aid bowlers, particularly in the first innings.

• Average 1st Innings Score: 185.8
• Win Percentages:
  • Batting First: 50%
  • Batting Second: 50%

There is no clear advantage to either batting or bowling first, so the toss could be a crucial factor in the match.

Players to Watch

England:

• Sophie Ecclestone – The world’s leading wicket-taker in women’s ODIs, Ecclestone has taken 12 wickets in six games at just 15.3 average.
• Heather Knight – England’s run-machine, Knight averages over 50 in the tournament and has been a key performer.
• Nat Sciver-Brunt – A dual threat with the bat and ball, Sciver-Brunt has been a consistent performer in this World Cup.

South Africa:

• Laura Wolvaardt – The Proteas’ talisman, Wolvaardt has amassed 301 runs in seven games and is the third-highest run-scorer of the tournament.
• Nonkululeko Mlaba – A key pace bowler for South Africa, Mlaba has taken 11 wickets at an impressive average of 18.9.
• Nadine de Klerk – A valuable all-rounder who contributes significantly with both bat and ball.

Possible Playing XIs

England Women (11):

1. Amy Jones (wk)
2. Tammy Beaumont
3. Heather Knight
4. Nat Sciver-Brunt (c)
5. Sophia Dunkley
6. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge
7. Alice Capsey
8. Charlotte Dean
9. Sophie Ecclestone
10. Lauren Bell
11. Linsey Smith

South Africa Women (11):

1. Laura Wolvaardt (c)
2. Tazmin Brits
3. Sune Luus
4. Annerie Dercksen
5. Sinalo Jafta (wk)
6. Nadine de Klerk
7. Marizanne Kapp
8. Chloe Tryon
9. Masabata Klaas
10. Ayabonga Khaka
11. Nonkululeko Mlaba

Match Prediction

This is set to be a closely contested semifinal. England are the favorites due to their historical dominance and current form, but South Africa have the talent and motivation to pull off an upset. The team that bowls first is expected to have the upper hand, given the pitch conditions.

• Predicted Winner: England Women
• Top Batter: Heather Knight (England) / Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
• Top Bowler: Sophie Ecclestone (England) / Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa)
• Player of the Match: Sophie Ecclestone (England)

How to Watch

Live Streaming:
Fans can catch the live action on Star Sports Networks in India and via Disney+ Hotstar for online streaming. Internationally, the match will be available on Sky Sports and ESPNcricinfo.

This semifinal promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams eager to make their mark in the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between two of the world’s best women’s teams. England will look to continue their legacy, but South Africa will not go down without a fight.
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