South Africa and England are the final two teams to begin their 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup campaigns. They will meet on Friday at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
The World Cup starts with a league phase, in which the eight qualified countries play each other in a single round robin format, with matches in the host countries of India and Sri Lanka. The top four teams advance to the 1 vs. 4 and 2 vs. 3 semi-finals, crowning the winner on October 30 in Navi Mumbai.
Both squads will want to get their tournaments off to a strong start, as losing a couple of matches early adds pressure as the number of games remaining to qualify for the finals dwindles.
England VS South Africa Venue: Assam Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
England VS South Africa Date: Friday, October 3
England VS South Africa Odds:
- England – 8/25
- South Africa – 12/5
History
South Africa is looking to reach the semi-finals of this competition for the third time in a row and improve on its other white-ball successes, having finished runners-up in the last two T20 World Cups.
Getting past England would be a great start. This is especially true as England has won four of the last five ODIs against the Proteas. Historically, the record is also massively in England’s favor. They have won 35 of the 46 matches played between the two sides.
England
Look for Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont to be the batting stars on this England team. Nat Sciver-Brunt captains the side and will be vital to the balance with her play and leadership. Jones has been a machine as an opener. She has 410 runs in eight matches this year for her country, with a pair of centuries in that haul.
The pitches on the subcontinent should be ideal for what England likes to do with the ball in hand. This squad has been led by spin when it has been successful over the last few years, so the bowling of Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith will be a significant key to whether England takes down the Proteas.
South Africa
Much of South Africa’s success has come from its top-order players. Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt seem to have a solid partnership, and they will need to see South Africa through the early overs while scoring at a solid rate.
Nonkululeko Mlaba has been the best bowler for the Proteas this year. She will need to star again against the best batters that England has to offer.
A couple of all-rounders will be important too. Annerie Dercksen has averaged just under 50 in eight ODIs this year while adding four wickets. Marizanne Kapp has 187 runs in just three innings, contributing five wickets.
Best Bets
Expect Wolvaardt to show class as she tries to keep South Africa in this one. I like her at 37/20 to be the top batter for the Proteas. With spin-friendly conditions expected, it is important not to overthink the top bowler bet. Ecclestone is 3/1 to be the best with the ball, and she is an excellent shout.
Playing the match odds, they are short, but England has been so good against the Proteas that it is hard to go with any other result than an England win.
