ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: South Africa vs England – Semi-Final Match Preview & Expert Insights

The stage is set for a high-voltage clash as South Africa take on England in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The match will be played on October 29, 2025, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting at 3:00 PM IST. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament, and a spot in the final is now up for grabs.

Match Details

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

Team Form and Recent Performances

South Africa

The Proteas enter the knockout stage after a tough defeat against Australia in their last group match. Despite that loss, they have displayed solid resilience throughout the tournament. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt continues to lead from the front, while all-rounder Nadine de Klerk has been one of their most consistent performers with both bat and ball.
Their bowling attack, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba and Ayabonga Khaka, has thrived on spin-friendly tracks — something they’ll look to exploit in Guwahati.

England

England finished the group stage on a high, beating New Zealand to secure second place on the points table. The English side has looked balanced, with strong contributions from their top order — Tammy BeaumontHeather Knight, and Amy Jones have all crossed the 200-run mark this tournament.
Their spin trio of Sophie EcclestoneCharlie Dean, and Linsey Smith has been phenomenal, consistently picking wickets in the middle overs and choking the opposition’s scoring rate.

Key Players to Watch

South Africa

  • Laura Wolvaardt: The captain and opener has been a pillar of consistency, scoring 301 runs in seven matches at an average of over 50.
  • Nadine de Klerk: A true all-rounder, she has piled up 179 runs at a strike rate of 135 and taken six crucial wickets.
  • Nonkululeko Mlaba: The young spinner has impressed everyone with 11 wickets at an average under 19, becoming a match-winner in key games.

England

  • Nat Sciver-Brunt: The English captain has once again shown her class, scoring 198 runs and taking eight wickets — a genuine match-changer.
  • Sophie Ecclestone: The left-arm spinner has been lethal, claiming 12 wickets in just seven games at an economy under four.
  • Linsey Smith: Another left-arm spinner who complements Ecclestone perfectly, with 12 wickets of her own and consistent control in the middle overs.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 ODIs)

  • South Africa: 1 Win
  • England: 4 Wins

England clearly hold the edge in recent meetings. Their last encounter in this tournament was one-sided — England bowled South Africa out for just 69 runs, a collapse the Proteas will want to forget.

Venue Analysis – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

One of the trickier batting venues this World Cup, Guwahati has tested even the best lineups.

  • Average First Innings Score: 185.8
  • Spin Bowling Average: 20.5 | Economy: 3.91
  • Pace Bowling Average: 23.55 | Economy: 4.79
  • Win Percentage: 50% batting first / 50% chasing

Spinners have dominated here, taking more wickets at a better economy compared to pacers. Expect the likes of Ecclestone, Mlaba, and Smith to play a big role as the surface slows down in the second innings.

Predicted Playing XIs

South Africa

Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Anneke Bosch, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas.

England

Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Amy Jones (WK), Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Lauren Bell, Linsey Smith.

Pitch and Weather Report

The Guwahati pitch has been on the slower side, with spinners enjoying plenty of turn and grip. Batting first might offer the best chance to post a competitive total around the 200-mark.
The weather forecast suggests partly cloudy skies, but no major rain interruptions are expected. Humidity could assist swing early on.

Expert Predictions & Betting Insights

  • Toss Prediction: South Africa to win the toss
  • Match Winner Prediction: South Africa to clinch a narrow win
  • Top Batter: Laura Wolvaardt (SA), Heather Knight (ENG)
  • Top Bowler: Nonkululeko Mlaba (SA), Sophie Ecclestone (ENG)
  • Most Sixes: Nadine de Klerk (SA), Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG)
  • Player of the Match: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)
  • Expected Team Score (Batting First): South Africa 220+, England 250+

England’s experience gives them an edge, but South Africa’s spin attack and Wolvaardt’s form could make all the difference on this slow surface.

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Disclaimer: The above prediction is based on the author’s analysis and understanding of the game. Consider team form, player availability, and current conditions before making your final prediction.