South Africa has reached the semi-finals of the 2025 ODI Women’s World Cup. For finishing third on the log at the end of group stage play, they will play England on Wednesday in Guwahati.
The winner of that match will face the winner of dominant Australia against hosts India, with the final to be played in New Mumbai on Sunday.
Here is a look ahead at the contest.
South Africa VS England Venue: Assam Stadium, Guwahati
South Africa VS England Date: Wednesday, October 29
South Africa VS England Odds:
History
South Africa has had a fantastic World Cup, but disastrous defeats bookended their group stage.
Their final pool play match against Australia was a blowout, but their opening contest against England was an even worse loss. England bowled the Proteas out for just 69 runs in a little more than 20 overs at this same venue on October 3. They then made short work of the chase, reaching 73 without loss after 14.1 overs.
The general thinking is that South Africa cannot play that badly again. Sinalo Jafta was the only player in double figures with 22. She was the only Proteas player to score more than six, with extras (eight) accounting for the second-highest total in the innings.
South Africa
South Africa must keep their openers at the crease, forming a solid partnership, to have any chance here. Their two collapses to spin against England and Australia are concerning. Still, if they can post a decent total on this slow track, then the bowlers can get into an England batting lineup that has shown its own fragility throughout the tournament.
This is especially true in the middle order, which should be the attack’s focus. Sophia Dunkley is out of form, while Emma Lamb was dropped from the six spot after scoring just 36 runs over five innings. If South Africa can slow the scoring of the top-line England batters, then they can go full press when the first couple of wickets fall.
England
Sophie Ecclestone is a doubt for England ahead of this knockout match. Ecclestone bowled just four balls against New Zealand on Sunday, and an MRI of her left shoulder has revealed an injury next to her collarbone.
Ecclestone is a spinner that England relies on to eat up overs. She rarely bowls less than her 10 allotted, so a rejig of the attack would be needed if she cannot go. Against New Zealand, it was more balls from Alice Capsey and Dunkley, but expect a specialist bowler to slot into the side if Ecclestone can’t go.
Best Bets
In the group stage fixture, left-arm spinner Lucy Smith did all the damage. She took the wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp, eating up the heart of the South African order. She is more than worth a bet at 77/20 to be the best bowler.
Low totals have been the order of the day at this venue. If you are betting overs or unders on players, shade to the under for most. South Africa can win this, but I would go with England, given how dominant they were the first time these two sides played.
