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ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final Preview: England vs South Africa – A Battle of Nerves at Guwahati
Summary: England Women, four-time world champions, face South Africa Women in the 1st Semi-Final of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium today. While England hold the upper hand with 60% win probability, South Africa arrive with renewed belief and redemption on their minds. But there’s a twist - rain may have a say in this blockbuster clash!
Match Overview
- Match: ENGW vs RSAW – 1st Semi-Final
- Tournament: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
- Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM LOCAL | 9:30 AM GMT
- Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
- Weather Update: Overcast skies expected with intermittent drizzle possible - the toss could prove decisive.
- Pitch Report: Batting-friendly surface, slight turn for spinners under lights. Chasing might get easier due to dew.
England Women (ENGW) Squad
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Amy Jones (WK), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell, Emma Lamb, Sarah Glenn, Em Arlott, Lauren Filer
Team Outlook:
England are on a mission to reclaim their lost dominance. Their balanced lineup-led by the dynamic Nat Sciver-Brunt-boasts match-winners in every department. Tammy Beaumont and Wyatt have looked fluent, while Sophie Ecclestone remains England’s spin trump card, fitness permitting.
South Africa Women (RSAW) Squad
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Sinalo Jafta (WK), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Anneke Bosch, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso
Team Outlook:
South Africa’s late surge in the group stage was impressive - they won five in a row after a slow start. Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp have led from the front, while Tryon’s all-round brilliance could tilt the momentum their way. The Proteas are confident but will have to overcome England’s tactical depth and past record.
Head-to-Head Record (ODIs)
- Total Matches: 46
- England Wins: 36
- South Africa Wins: 10
- Last Meeting (WWC 2025): England won by 9 wickets (SA all-out for 69)
England have historically dominated, but semi-finals are never predictable - South Africa’s fightback since that loss proves they’ve evolved fast.
Weather Watch – Guwahati’s Cloudy Concern
The Barsapara skies remain partly cloudy with high humidity and scattered drizzle expected by late afternoon. If rain interrupts, the DLS method could come into play. Teams might prefer batting first to avoid a revised chase.
Key Players to Watch
- England: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Tammy Beaumont, Sophie Ecclestone
- South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon
What’s at Stake
The winner marches into the Women’s World Cup 2025 Final - a stage where dreams turn to legacy. For England, it’s about reaffirming supremacy. For South Africa, it’s about breaking history and silencing critics who still recall that 69-run collapse.
Prediction
England start favourites (60%) with superior squad depth and knockout experience, but South Africa (40%) have momentum and nothing to lose.
If the match stays rain-free, expect a high-scoring thriller under lights. If rain intrudes, all bets are off!
Expert Insight
“This semi-final is more than skill - it’s a test of temperament under pressure. The team that handles Guwahati’s weather and crowd better will likely punch their ticket to the final.”
- Former England captain Charlotte Edwards (via The Guardian)
Match Essentials for Fans
Gates open at 12:30 PM IST.
Dew may influence late bowling tactics - bring your rain poncho!
Live on Star Sports, DD Sports & Disney+ Hotstar (India).
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, England Women vs South Africa Women Semi-Final, Women’s Cricket Guwahati Weather
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