Four-time champions England will look to continue their dominance over South Africa when the two sides meet in the first semifinal of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday.
Having finished second behind Australia in the league stage, England enter the knockouts high on confidence, winning five of their seven games. South Africa, who finished third, also managed five wins but were humbled by both Australia and England earlier in the tournament.
England’s head-to-head record tells the story — they’ve won seven of their last nine ODIs against South Africa, including a crushing win in this year’s group stage and a semifinal triumph at the 2022 edition.
Knight And Jones Lead England’s Resurgence
Under new coach Charlotte Edwards, England have rediscovered their steel. They opened their campaign by bundling out South Africa for just 69 before cruising to a 10-wicket win.
Since then, England have shown depth and resilience. Heather Knight’s unbeaten 79 rescued them from 78/5 against Bangladesh, while her century against India sealed a thrilling four-run win. Amy Jones, excelling as an opener, anchored their last group game with a fluent 86 not out against New Zealand. Questions, however, linger around their middle order, with Sophia Dunkley struggling and Emma Lamb being replaced by Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
Spin Twins Hold The Key
England’s success has revolved around their spinners. Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith have been exceptional, sharing 24 wickets between them. But Ecclestone’s shoulder injury, sustained against New Zealand, casts a cloud over their semifinal plans. She’s the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament and her absence would be a major blow.
South Africa’s Revival And Old Wounds
For South Africa, this is their fourth semifinal — and they are still chasing a maiden final appearance. After being bowled out for 69 by England in their opener, they bounced back with five wins on the trot, including a vital victory over India in Visakhapatnam.
But their batting remains fragile. Laura Wolvaardt has led the charge with over 300 runs, while Tazmin Brits is their only centurion. Their inconsistent opening stands and overreliance on Wolvaardt remain concerns.
Their bowling, however, has been world-class. Nonkululeko Mlaba and Marizanne Kapp have spearheaded a disciplined attack that has rarely conceded over 250. Four of their five wins have come while chasing, suggesting that bowling first might again be their best bet.
Conditions And Outlook
The Guwahati pitch has aided spinners, with run-scoring proving tricky. Showers earlier in the week have cleared, but a reserve day is in place in case rain intervenes.
England’s dominant record — 36 wins in 45 ODIs against South Africa — gives them a psychological edge. But the Proteas, hungry to rewrite history, will hope to finally turn near-misses into a breakthrough
Probable XIs: England: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (capt), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell. South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune.
