Match: 1st Semi-Final (Day/Night), ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM IST (9:30 AM GMT/UK time)
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Toss: To be updated
Reserve Day: Thursday, October 30, 2025
The Stage Is Set
The first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 brings together two familiar rivals at the very ground where their tournament began. England face South Africa at the same Guwahati venue where they bowled the Proteas out for just 69 runs in their opening match.
England finished second in the group stage after consistent performances, including dominant wins against South Africa and New Zealand. They won five of their seven matches, earning 11 points with one loss (to Australia) and one no-result (against Pakistan).
South Africa’s journey has been one of resilience. After suffering a heavy defeat against England in their opening fixture, they responded remarkably well, winning five consecutive matches to seal their spot in the semi-finals. However, they stumbled in their final group game, bowled out for 97 by Australia.
Expected Playing XIs
England Women (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo and multiple cricket websites
- Tammy Beaumont
- Amy Jones -wicketkeeper
- Heather Knight
- Nat Sciver-Brunt -captain
- Sophia Dunkley
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Alice Capsey
- Charlie Dean
- Sophie Ecclestone – fitness being assessed
- Linsey Smith
- Lauren Bell
Note: Sophie Ecclestone sustained a minor injury to the joint next to her collar bone and underwent an MRI scan. She will continue to be assessed ahead of the semi-final, though England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt expressed confidence she’ll be ready. Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 34, brings experience after being brought into the XI for Emma Lamb in their last league match.
South Africa Women (Probable XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo
- Laura Wolvaardt (captain)
- Tazmin Brits
- Sune Luus
- Annerie Dercksen
- Marizanne Kapp
- Sinalo Jafta (wicketkeeper)
- Chloe Tryon
- Nadine de Klerk
- Masabata Klaas
- Ayabonga Khaka
- Nonkululeko Mlaba
Note: South Africa may not feel the need to make any changes to their XI from the Australia game, unless they want to bring in a third frontline spinner for the slower conditions in Guwahati.
Players to Watch
| Team | Batter | Why Watch | Bowler | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | Tammy Beaumont | Has scored 753 runs in 16 matches at an average of 62.75, including four centuries and three fifties | Sophie Ecclestone | England’s joint-leading wicket-taker with 12 dismissals at an average of 15.33 |
| England | Nat Sciver-Brunt | Captain and allrounder who leads from the front with both bat and ball | Linsey Smith | Also claimed 12 wickets and starred in England’s opening win over South Africa with 3-7 |
| South Africa | Laura Wolvaardt | Captain has compiled 682 runs in 17 matches at an average of 42.62, including nine fifties | Nonkululeko Mlaba | England have struggled against spin and Mlaba recorded the most economical figures (0-9) in their first meeting |
| South Africa | Marizanne Kapp | One of the best all-rounders in the game, holds the record for highest score by a South African at a World Cup (102 not out in 2013) | Ayabonga Khaka | Experienced pace bowler who can exploit early conditions |
Pitch and Weather Report
Guwahati has not had a game in over two weeks, making the pitch for the semi-final effectively a fresh one. The surfaces here have offered plenty of purchase for spinners, with grip, turn and a lack of pace that has made run-scoring more challenging.
The average first-innings score is around 250, with teams typically losing 7 wickets per innings. Early in the match, pacers enjoy seam movement and bounce, especially under overcast skies.
Weather in Guwahati is expected to remain cloudy, with temperatures hovering near 31°C. There’s about a 20% chance of light rain.
Toss Factor: Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first to make the most of early conditions.
Head-to-Head Record
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.
Recent meetings favor England heavily. In the last five games between these teams, England have won four while South Africa have won only one.
What to Expect
This semi-final carries extra weight for both teams. South Africa’s only semi-final appearances came in the last two editions (2017 and 2022), and England shattered their dreams both times – heartbreakingly in 2017 and more comprehensively in 2022.
England hold all the cards – better recent form, dominant head-to-head record, and the psychological advantage of crushing South Africa at this very venue earlier in the tournament. England are four-time champions, have made the semi-finals in each of the last six editions, and have turned out in all but one of the last four finals.
However, South Africa have shown great character by winning five consecutive matches after that opening defeat. Their batting lineup, featuring Wolvaardt, Kapp, and Luus, has the experience to handle pressure situations. If their spinners can exploit the Guwahati conditions, they could restrict England’s batting.
Prediction: England start as favorites given their superior record and recent dominance over South Africa. Their spin attack of Ecclestone (if fit), Smith, and Dean will be key on a turning pitch. Expect a competitive match, but England should edge through to the final.