The fourth fixture of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 brings an exciting showdown as England lock horns with South Africa on October 3rd at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The action begins at 3:00 PM IST, promising a gripping clash between two sides that know each other well.
The year 2025 has been one of transition for England Women. After a bruising 0-3 Ashes defeat in January, they showed promise with a dominant 3-0 sweep of West Indies in May–June but faltered with inconsistency against India in July, losing the series 1-2 despite a strong win in the second ODI. However, they sent a strong message in the warm-ups, humbling hosts India by 152 runs and chasing down 248 against defending champions Australia, displaying both batting depth and bowling firepower.
South Africa’s campaign has been a tale of resilience. After struggling in the Tri-Nation Series against India and Sri Lanka with just one win from four games, they bounced back with a 2-1 series win over West Indies in June. Their September tour of Pakistan showcased their fighting spirit—clinching the series with back-to-back wins before slipping in the final ODI. In the warm-ups, their first game was washed out, but they gained confidence by edging Pakistan with a 4-wicket win in the second fixture.
Squads:
England Women’s Cricket Team
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Tammy Beaumont, Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase.
Players to watch out:
Nat Sciver-Brunt
The inspirational English skipper continues to be her side’s backbone with both bat and ball. In the warm-ups, her commanding 120-run knock against India underlined her class and adaptability under pressure. In 2025, she has already amassed 396 runs from 9 matches, while also chipping in with wickets when needed. A veteran of 121 ODIs, Sciver-Brunt’s tally of 4092 runs and 79 wickets make her a genuine match-winner. England’s fortunes in this clash could well hinge on her all-round brilliance.
Sarah Glenn
A leg-spinner with the knack of striking in crucial moments, Glenn has quickly become a weapon in England’s arsenal. Despite playing just one ODI in 2025, where she bagged 3/21, she made headlines in the warm-ups by dismantling Australia with figures of 5/32, proving her ability to trouble world-class batters. With 23 wickets in 18 ODIs so far, Glenn’s variation and control could be decisive on a Guwahati pitch that offers early assistance to bowlers.
Tazmin Brits
Few players have enjoyed a purple patch quite like Tazmin Brits in 2025. The South African opener has been unstoppable, compiling 643 runs from 9 matches, including monumental knocks of 101 and 171* against Pakistan in September. With her ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when required, she has matured into a dependable force at the top. In 39 ODIs, she has piled up 1419 runs, and her current form makes her one of the most feared batters in the tournament.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
The young left-arm spinner has steadily emerged as South Africa’s bowling spearhead in the middle overs. In 2025, she has scalped 15 wickets in 8 matches, including the best of 4/33, stifling oppositions with her accuracy and drift. With 38 wickets in 37 ODIs, Mlaba has grown in confidence, and her ability to choke run flow while picking timely wickets makes her a game-changer on subcontinental surfaces.
Pitch:
The Barsapara surface is known for offering a fair contest between bat and ball. The average first-innings score hovers around 250, with teams typically losing 7 wickets per innings. Pacers enjoy early assistance, particularly under overcast conditions, but as the match progresses, the surface tends to flatten, making stroke play easier. Captains winning the toss generally prefer to bowl first, capitalizing on early seam movement.
Weather:
Conditions in Guwahati are expected to be rainy, with the temperature around 28°C. There is a 70% chance of light rain which could bring interruptions, while humidity levels may climb to 88%. Winds are forecast at a gentle 6 kph, which may provide some swing for fast bowlers.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Charlie Dean, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match Details:
Date – October 3, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Broadcast – Live streaming on JioHotstar; Telecast on Star Sports Network
Loves all things female cricket