The stage is set for an electrifying clash as England Women take on South Africa Women in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Both sides have shown resilience and quality throughout the tournament, and with a spot in the final at stake, fans can expect a thrilling contest between two world-class teams.
Team Preview
England Women have been one of the most consistent sides in this year’s World Cup. They finished second in the group stage, securing five wins out of seven matches. The English side has displayed remarkable balance, with both batting and bowling units complementing each other perfectly.
Natalie Sciver-Brunt, England’s captain and star all-rounder, has led from the front with a series of match-winning performances. Her calmness under pressure and ability to deliver in crunch moments have been pivotal to England’s success. Heather Knight has been another key figure, anchoring the innings in tough situations, while Amy Jones and Alice Timmy have provided explosive starts at the top.
England’s bowling attack has been just as impressive. Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith continues to be their trump card in the middle overs, spinning webs around opposition batters. Alongside her, Charlie Dean and Lauren Bell have consistently picked up early wickets, putting pressure on opponents from the start
On the other hand South Africa Women have had a mixed campaign, finishing third in the group stage with four wins and three losses. Despite a few inconsistent performances, the Proteas have shown they possess the firepower to challenge any opponent. Their journey to the semi-final has been driven by individual brilliance and fighting spirit.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt has been the backbone of the batting order, scoring heavily at the top with elegant stroke play. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes her South Africa’s biggest weapon. Marizanne Kapp, the experienced all-rounder, has been the heartbeat of the side—producing crucial spells with the ball and contributing valuable runs in pressure situations.
South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba has been disciplined and fiery. Their pace attack can trouble even the strongest batting line-ups. However, South Africa’s biggest challenge has been maintaining consistency, Their recent loss to Australia exposed their middle-order vulnerability, something they will look to fix before facing England.
Head to Head Records
Total matches played: 48
England won: 37
South Africa won: 10
No Results: 1
Pitch Report
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium surface known for batting friendly with good bounce and pace, seamers get swing and movement with the new ball as the game progresses spinners might get grip and turn , 269-280 could be competitive total in this high stake encounter.
Probable playing XIs
England
Timmy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver Brunt (c), Danni Wyatt, Sophie Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell
Players to watch out
Nat Sciver Brunt
Heather Knight
Linsey Smith
Laura Wolvaardt
Marizanne kapp
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Prediction
England Women enter this contest as favourites due to their superior form, depth, and experience in knockout matches. Their recent performances have been clinical, and their bowling attack has looked more composed under pressure. South Africa, on the other hand, have the hunger to script history to beat England in semifinal reaching World Cup final.