The first semi-final of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises a high-voltage clash as England Women take on South Africa Women on October 29th at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The encounter begins at 3:00 PM IST, setting the stage for a thrilling battle between two well-acquainted sides eyeing a spot in the grand finale.
England have showcased a blend of skill, grit, and composure throughout the tournament. Their campaign began with a bang — skittling South Africa out for 69 and sealing a 10-wicket victory. Against Bangladesh, they were reduced to 103/6 while chasing 178, but Heather Knight’s calm presence ensured a four-wicket win. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt then led with a run-a-ball 117 as England posted 254 versus Sri Lanka, securing an 89-run victory.
Despite a stumble against Pakistan and a rain-hit no-result, England roared back with a narrow 4-run triumph over India, displaying their trademark fighting spirit. Their only blemish came against defending champions Australia, who beat them by 6 wickets, but they ended the league phase in style, crushing New Zealand by 8 wickets.
South Africa’s campaign, on the other hand, has been a mix of resilience and redemption. After being bowled out for 69 in their opener against England, they bounced back superbly — beating New Zealand by 6 wickets, edging India in a last-over thriller, and registering back-to-back wins over Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, including a 10-wicket rout. A rain-affected clash against Pakistan ended in a commanding 150-run victory, before they fell to Australia, who chased down their modest total of 98 with 7 wickets in hand.
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:
Heather Knight
England’s dependable batter has once again proven her mettle under pressure. With scores of 79* (vs Bangladesh), 29 (vs Sri Lanka), 18 (vs Pakistan), 109 (vs India), 20 (vs Australia), and 33 (vs New Zealand), Knight’s consistency and composure have been invaluable. With 4,325 runs in 156 ODIs and 56 wickets, she remains the fulcrum of England’s middle order and their emotional anchor in crunch situations.
Linsey Smith
The crafty left-arm spinner has been England’s quiet assassin with the ball. Her figures speak volumes — 3/7 vs South Africa, 2/33 vs Bangladesh, 1/22 vs Sri Lanka, 0/11 vs Pakistan, 1/40 vs India, 2/43 vs Australia, and 3/30 vs New Zealand. With 22 wickets in 11 ODIs and the best of 5/36, Smith’s accuracy and ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions make her a serious threat.
Laura Wolvaardt
The South African skipper has led from the front with trademark elegance. After a slow start (scores of 5 vs England and 14 vs New Zealand), Wolvaardt hit form with 70 vs India, 60* vs Sri Lanka, 90 vs Pakistan, and 31 vs Australia. With 4,952 runs in 117 ODIs at an average of 49.02, including a career-best 184*, she remains South Africa’s most bankable batter in high-pressure encounters.
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Mlaba’s growth as South Africa’s spin spearhead has been remarkable. Her tournament haul — 0/9 (vs England), 4/40 (vs New Zealand), 2/46 (vs India), 2/42 (vs Bangladesh), 3/30 (vs Sri Lanka), 0/16 (vs Pakistan), and 0/25 (vs Australia) — underlines her consistency. With 49 wickets in 44 ODIs, her ability to choke the scoring rate and strike at key moments could prove decisive on subcontinental pitches.
Pitch:
The Barsapara surface offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. 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. However, as the game progresses, batting becomes easier, with stroke-makers finding value for their shots. Teams winning the toss are likely to bowl first to make the most of early conditions.
Weather:
The weather in Guwahati is expected to remain cloudy, with temperatures hovering near 31°C. There’s about a 20% chance of light rain, which might cause brief interruptions. Humidity levels could touch 67%, and gentle winds of 6 kph may offer just enough swing for the fast bowlers during the initial overs.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, Sophie Ecclestone, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk, Nonkululeko Mlaba
Match Details:
Date – October 29, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Broadcast – Live on Star Sports Network; Streaming on JioHotstar
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