ENG-W vs SA-W 1st semi-final preview [Source: @englandcricket, @ProteasWomenCSA/x.com]
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has reached the knockout stage as England Women (ENG-W) take on South Africa Women (SA-W) in the first semi-final on Wednesday, October 29 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The high-voltage match is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM IST.
England Women
England Women finished the group stage in second place, securing five wins, one loss and one no result from seven matches. Their only defeat came against Australia Women but they bounced back strongly with an eight-wicket win over New Zealand Women in their final group game, chasing down a 169-run target in just 29 overs.
Amy Jones led the chase with a fluent knock, while the bowlers, led by Linsey Smith, Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone restricted New Zealand efficiently. Earlier in the tournament, England began their campaign with a stunning 10-wicket win over South Africa, bowling them out for just 69. With form and momentum on their side, England will aim to replicate that sensational display and book their place in the final.
South Africa Women
On the other hand, South Africa Women had a tough start to their campaign, suffering a heavy defeat against England in their opening fixture. However, they responded remarkably well, winning five consecutive matches to seal their spot in the semi-finals.
Despite a dip in their final group-stage match, where they were bowled out for 97 and lost by seven wickets, the Proteas have displayed great character under pressure throughout the tournament. Led by Laura Wolvaardt and powered by experienced stars like Marizanne Kapp and Sune Luus, South Africa will be motivated to avenge their earlier loss and make a historic entry into the final.
ENG-W vs SA-W head-to-head overview
England Women and South Africa Women have faced each other 47 times in ODIs. England dominate the rivalry with 36 wins, while South Africa have managed 10 victories and one match has ended in no result.
Barsapara Cricket Stadium Guwahati pitch report
The surface at Barsapara Cricket Stadium is typically favourable for batting. The ball comes nicely onto the bat which makes stroke play easier. Pacers may find limited assistance early on while spinners could enjoy some grip as the innings progresses. Teams batting first generally enjoy success here and the captain winning the toss is likely to opt to bat and post a big total on the board.
England Women and South Africa Women's probable playing XI
England Women
Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
South Africa Women
Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka
Top run scorers in ENG-W vs SA-W ODIs
We are considering only the players from the current squad.
Tammy Beaumont: 753 Runs
The English opener has scored 753 runs in 16 matches at a superb average of 62.75, including four centuries and three fifties with a highest score of 148. Her consistent form and ability to play big innings make her a crucial figure in England’s batting unit.
Laura Wolvaardt: 682 Runs
South African skipper, Laura Wolvaardt, has compiled 682 runs in 17 matches at an impressive average of 42.62, including nine fifties. Her attacking stroke play and composure at the top order make her the backbone of South Africa’s batting.
Heather Knight: 545 Runs
The former England captain has accumulated 545 runs in 21 matches at 45.41 average with five fifties and a best of 80*. Her experience under pressure continue to strengthen England’s middle order.
Top wicket-takers in ENG-W vs SA-W ODIs
We are considering only the players from the current squad.
Marizanne Kapp: 29 Wickets
The Proteas all-rounder has taken 29 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 30.34, including a best of 5/45. Her ability to swing the ball and deliver breakthroughs in crucial moments makes her a key asset for South Africa.
Sophie Ecclestone: 21 Wickets
England’s premier spinner, Sophie Ecclestone has claimed 21 wickets in 11 matches at a stunning average of 16.14 with best figures of 6/36. Her unmatched control and wicket-taking ability make her one of the most dangerous bowlers in world cricket.
Charlie Dean: 19 Wickets
The off-spinner has bagged 19 wickets in 9 matches at 20.15 average, including a best of 4/45. Her consistency in the middle overs adds valuable depth to England’s spin department.
ENG-W vs SA-W stats
England Women’s records
- Heather Knight has scored 288 runs in seven matches in the tournament at 57.60 average with one hundred and a fifty.
- Amy Jones has scored 220 runs in seven matches in the tournament at 44.00 average with two fifties.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt has scored 198 runs in five innings at 39.60 average, including one hundred.
- Sophie Ecclestone has 12 wickets in six matches in the tournament at 3.98 economy with best figures of 4/17.
- Linsey Smith has 12 wickets in seven matches at 3.60 economy.
- Tammy Beaumont vs Masabata Klaas in ODIs: 47 runs, 63 balls, 1 dismissal
- Nat Sciver-Brunt vs Nonkululeko Mlaba in ODIs: 27 runs, 21 balls, 0 dismissals
- Sophie Ecclestone vs Marizanne Kapp in ODIs: 42 runs, 63 balls, 0 dismissals
South Africa Women’s records
- Laura Wolvaardt is the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 301 runs in seven matches at 50.16 average, including three fifties.
- Nadine de Klerk has scored 179 runs in five innings in the ongoing tournament at a strike rate of 134.58 with one fifty.
- Tazmin Brits has 167 runs in seven matches at 27.83 average with one hundred and a fifty.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba has 11 wickets in seven matches at 4.83 economy.
- Marizanne Kapp has 7 wickets in seven matches at 4.00 economy.
- Marizanne Kapp vs Amy Jones in ODIs: 58 runs, 80 balls, 0 dismissals
- Laura Wolvaardt vs Lauren Bell in ODIs: 61 runs, 67 balls, 0 dismissals
- Nadine de Klerk vs Charlie Dean in ODIs: 39 runs, 25 balls, 1 dismissal
Records that can be broken in ENG-W vs SA-W 1st semi-final of 2025 Women’s World Cup
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (4290) needs 36 runs to surpass Heather Knight (4325) and become England’s third-highest run-scorer in ODIs.
- Charlie Dean needs 8 fours to complete 50 ODI fours.
- Alice Capsey needs 2 fours to complete 50 ODI fours.
- Laura Wolvaardt needs 48 runs to reach 5000 ODI runs.
- Marizanne Kapp requires 35 runs to complete 3500 ODI runs.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba needs 1 wicket to reach 50 ODI wickets.

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