South Africa seeks to break England’s hold in World Cup semi-final showdown

South Africa’s path to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final has been anything but straightforward. 

Bookended by batting collapses but buoyed by a mid-tournament revival, the Proteas have shown the kind of resilience that will now be tested against a confident England side in Guwahati.

After folding for 69 against England in their opening match and then 97 against Australia to close the group stage, South Africa’s campaign might easily have unravelled. Instead, they strung together five straight wins in between — a run built on grit, recovery, and flashes of brilliance.

Proteas find their fight

A three-wicket win over hosts India proved a turning point. Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 from 54 balls spearheaded a dramatic comeback, while Nonkululeko Mlaba and Tazmin Brits were instrumental in a crucial victory over New Zealand.

One of the defining moments came at the start of that match against the White Ferns. With pressure mounting after the heavy loss to England, Marizanne Kapp struck Suzie Bates’ pads with the very first delivery to remove her for a golden duck. 

Mlaba followed up with four wickets, and Brits hit her fifth ODI century of 2025 — the first woman to do so — to seal South Africa’s response and reassert their credentials.

Mlaba has been one of the standout bowlers of the tournament, her left-arm spin thriving in sub-continental conditions. She has taken 11 wickets at 18.90, reinforcing her form from last year’s T20 World Cup. Laura Wolvaardt, steady at the top, notched three half-centuries in five innings, while Kapp’s all-round value continues to anchor the team.

Brits’ form, though inconsistent, has been pivotal when she’s found rhythm, including her century against New Zealand and an unbeaten 55 versus Sri Lanka.

Past lessons and present intent

The Proteas have no illusions about the challenge ahead. England have twice ended South Africa’s World Cup dreams at the semi-final stage — in 2017 and 2022 — and inflicted a 10-wicket defeat in this year’s group stage. Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont chased down the modest target in under 15 overs on that occasion.

South Africa have won just one of their last eight ODIs against England, but recent momentum offers hope of a stronger showing when the sides meet again.

England confident but cautious

England approach the clash with confidence, having completed the league stage with an eight-wicket win over New Zealand. They now return to Guwahati, the same venue where they dismantled the Proteas earlier in the tournament.

England opener Amy Jones said her team feel well prepared for the challenge ahead. “We sort of know how that ground plays and I think it suits our bowlers really well,” she said after being named Player of the Match for her unbeaten 86 in the win over the White Ferns.

“Obviously we’ve got some of the best spinners and that wicket was really conducive to that. I’m excited to keep to our spinners on that wicket and I think we’ve got a lot of confidence on the back of that game and the tournament as a whole. I think there’s been great learnings throughout and we are just really excited for the occasion in Guwahati. We can’t wait.”

England’s only concern is the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone, who injured her shoulder during the New Zealand match. “I don’t know exactly (the extent), but I think it was precautionary and I think she will be OK,” Jones said. 

“Sophie plays a huge role within the team. Obviously, she’s our most experienced spinner and, yeah, one of the best in the world, so she plays a huge role.”

As both teams return to familiar territory, South Africa will aim to rewrite their recent history — and England, to confirm theirs.