CWC 2025: South Africa eye redemption against England in crucial semi-final clash

South Africa will walk into the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup against England at the ACA Stadium here on Wednesday, haunted by memories of their nightmarish 10-wicket defeat to the same opponents in the tournament opener at this very venue and yet buoyed by the resilience that has kept their title hopes alive.

Since that forgettable start, where England’s spinners ripped through their lineup to bowl them out for just 69, the Proteas have shown commendable grit, stringing together narrow but vital wins over New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, their old demons against spin continue to linger.

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In their final group-stage game against Australia, South Africa faltered again — bundled out for a mere 97 in 24 overs — undone by Alana King’s leg-spin. Their continued struggles against quality turn and drift have left head coach Hilton Moreeng with plenty to ponder.

Against England, South Africa’s batters were undone by flight and dip; against Australia, they misread the leg-spin and variations completely. Wednesday’s clash thus offers a shot at redemption — on the same surface where their campaign began in tatters, and fittingly, against the same opponents.

England, meanwhile, will be eager to press their advantage once again. Their spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, and Charlie Dean has been instrumental in choking opposition batters throughout the tournament.

However, there is a cloud of concern in their camp as well. Left-arm spinner Ecclestone — one of England’s most potent weapons with 12 wickets — suffered a minor injury to the joint near her collarbone, revealed after an MRI scan on Monday. While team sources indicated she remains in contention to play, her fitness will be closely monitored ahead of the crucial semifinal.

For South Africa, captain Laura Wolvaardt remains the cornerstone of their batting effort, amassing 301 runs at an average of 50.16, including three half-centuries. Yet, she has lacked consistent support. Tazmin Brits, who smashed a century against India, has struggled since — managing three ducks and a single-digit score in her recent outings. Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp have chipped in sporadically, but the top order’s inability to handle spin has repeatedly exposed the middle order.

England, on the other hand, appear to have found their rhythm under coach Charlotte Edwards after a shaky start. Heather Knight and Amy Jones have anchored the middle order, while all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt continues to be their heartbeat, despite inconsistent returns. Yet, their campaign has not been flawless — close calls against Bangladesh and Pakistan have exposed their own vulnerabilities under pressure.

If the Guwahati surface offers turn once again, South Africa will pin their hopes on left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, who has taken 11 wickets in the tournament, to make early inroads. Kapp’s new-ball control will also be vital against England’s top order.

Even though no rain is forecast for the day of the contest, a reserve day is in place. In the event of no result, England — who finished higher on the points table — would advance to the final.

Teams:

England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, 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: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon.