🏏ICC Women's World Cup 2025:England W vs S Africa W, 1st Semi-Final - Page 43

If South Africa can look back at history for some inspiration, England can do the same given they beat the same team at the same stage in the last two 50-over World Cup editions - in 2017 and 2022. While they have been stretched by different teams in different scenarios this edition, England still lost only one game so far - to arch-rivals Australia. England have been to the finals six times so far, unlike their opponents and they will bank on that experience as well to come out on top in a big clash. If games are indeed won on paper, they will fancy another crack at Australia in the title clash to deny them an eighth title and close the gap in their storied rivalry, having won the trophy four times themselves. But for now, it is indeed one step at a time.

When: Wednesday, October 29 at 3 PM IST

Where: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

What to expect: In the four games played here so far, run-scoring hasn't been the easiest. India did post 269 in one game but other matches have witnessed low totals with spinners predominantly dominating proceedings. Thankfully, rain is not on the horizon.

Team News

England: England are not expected to make any changes to their settled XI, with Danni Wyatt-Hodge likely to retain her spot ahead of Emma Lamb. However, there are some concerns surrounding the availability of Sophie Ecclestone. Amy Jones did reveal that Ecclestone 'should be okay' for the contest though.

Probable XI: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

South Africa: The South Africans might bring back Nondumiso Shangase into the XI in place of the veteran Ayabonga Khakha.

Probable XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba

Did you know:

- Tazmin Brits has four hundreds and an unbeaten 55 in her last 10 outings. In the five other knocks, she has failed to get to double figures, including three ducks.

- Marizane Kapp is four wickets away from equalling Jhulan Goswami for the most wickets in World Cups.

What they said:

"We've had some success in ICC tournaments. Obviously, a totally different format, but that semi-final loss against England was four years ago. We're a totally different-looking side. They've got a lot of different players as well. So I think it's sort of a fresh opportunity, and it starts from zero." - South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt on her side's chances

"I think it's suits our bowlers really well. Obviously we've got some of the best spinners and that wicket was really conducive to that. So, I'm excited to keep to our spinners on that wicket." - England wicketkeeper Amy Jones on the surface

Laura Wolvaardt: We were looking to bowl first as well. We are playing an extra batter today. Bosch comes in for Klaas. Hopefully we can bat first really well today. At the end of the day, it is all about winning.

Nat Sciver-Brunt: We would like to bowl first, putting them under pressure with the ball first and then chase it under lights. We got the same team. She will be playing through a little bit of pain, but she will be raring to go. Trust the process and trust everything you have done and enjoy the occasion.

England Women have won the toss and have opted to field

Teams:

South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

England Women (Playing XI): Amy Jones(w), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

Pitch report - Katey Martin: Dimensions - 56 metres on one side and 55 on the other side of the square. Straight down the ground it is 68 metres. It is a new pitch and there is a nice shaving of grass as well. There might be extra bounce on this wicket and we will see some shape for the bowlers early on. There will be some turn as well.

The big news from the toss is that Ecclestone is fit enough to feature. She may not be fully fit, but there was never a chance in the world that she was going to miss playing a World Cup semi-final. SA, meanwhile, have addressed their two batting collapses by adding an extra batter. Bosch began the tournament in the middle order before being omitted. The good thing, from a South African POV, is that the last time Bosch played in the semi-final of a World Cup, she produced a match-winning knock.

STAT: This is South Africa's fifth consecutive toss loss in this tournament. South Africa was defeated by England in both of the most recent ODI World Cup semifinals, in 2017 and 2022, respectively.

South Africa Women

(2.5/50 ov) 18/0

England Women

ENG Women chose to field.

Current RR: 6.35

Over 4

0 1 0 1 0 0 (2 runs)

RSAW 21-0

Tazmin Brits

6(13)

Laura Wolvaardt

13(11)

Linsey Smith

2-0-7-0