England Vs South Africa Highlights, Women's World Cup 2025 Semi-Final 1: SA-W Storm Into Final After Crushing ENG-W

Hello, we’re back with another live blog, and it’s semi-final time. England take on South Africa in a high-stakes clash with everything on the line. Stay tuned for all the drama, action, and big moments from this crucial showdown.

The England Women Vs South Africa Women, ICC Women's World Cup 2025 1st semi-final can be livestreamed on JioHotstar app/website and Star Sports network.

England Women Squad: Amy Jones(w), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell, Emma Lamb, Sarah Glenn, Em Arlott, Lauren Filer

South Africa Women Squad: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Anneke Bosch, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso

England Women have won the toss and have opted to bowl first against South Africa.

South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

England Women (Playing XI): Amy Jones(w), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

We’re underway in the semi-final! Lauren Bell starts with the new ball, but Laura Wolvaardt wastes no time, full delivery, just a hint of shape, and Wolvaardt leans into a gorgeous drive through extra cover for four. Pure timing, pure class, South Africa off to a flyer.

A tough chance goes down in the third over! Brits drilled one straight back at Bell, who got both hands to it but couldn’t hold on, a sharp opportunity missed early in the innings. And it's the first boundary for Brits as well.

RSA-W 19-0 (3)

South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt looks in great touch today. She has already smashed 5 boundaries so far and two came in the sixth over recently. Brits is still taking time to adjust but the pressure is on England bowlers.

RSA-W 35-0 (6)

There couldn’t have been a better powerplay for any side. South Africa haven’t lost a wicket, and both batters are looking confident. The only moment of concern came when Brits was nearly caught but managed to escape. England desparately need a wicket now and maybe just introduce their wicket-taking bowler Sophie Ecclestone.

RSA-W 58-0 (10)

The South African skipper is batting with a strike rate of over 100 and isn’t shying away from finding the boundaries. She’s already struck eight fours and is currently on 48 runs, while Brits is supporting her well at the other end on 27.

RSA-W 80-0 (15)

Excellent start for South Africa! The openers have set the tone beautifully, 93 without loss after 18 overs. The pitch looks like an absolute belter, offering little for the bowlers. With the way the skipper and Brits are timing the ball, South Africa will be eyeing at least 250 here, though 280–300 looks like the par score on this surface.

Meanwhile, Wolvaardt has equaled India legend Mithali Raj's record of Most 50-plus scores in World Cups with her (13).

RSA-W 93-0 (18)

And here comes the first breakthough and no surprise, it's Sophie Ecclestone. She finally break the partnership, dismissing Tazmin Brits. She tries to get inventive with the reverse sweep but pays the price. A clever, slower delivery tossed up on middle, Brits goes for the shot, gets a faint under-edge that sneaks between bat and pad, clips the stumps, and that’s the breakthrough England were looking for. Brits goes for 45.

RSA-W 116-1 (22.2)

Another one for Ecclestone. She’s on fire this over, two wickets! Bosch dances down the track, but Ecclestone sees her coming and fires it in full and straight on off. Bosch can’t get her bat down in time, and the off stump goes cartwheeling! Smart, sharp bowling from the left-arm spinner, completely outfoxing the batter. Bosch departs for a duck and suddenly England are all over in the match.

RSA-W 116-2 (23)

Nat Sciver-Brunt brings herself back into the attack and strikes straight away. A clever slower off-cutter outside off, Luus goes for the pull, but it’s not quite there to hit. She ends up getting a thick inside edge that deflects back onto the stumps! Poor shot selection, and South Africa are suddenly in trouble after such a solid start. Luus walks back for just 1.

RSA-W 125-3 (26)

South Africa on recovery mode. Marizanne Kapp has kept the scoreboard ticking ever since she joined Wolvaardt after the horrible collapse.

RSA-W 162-3 (33)

Ecclestone comes and delivers. Just when South Africa were building momentum, Kapp throws it away. Flighted delivery on off, Kapp steps out looking to go over mid-on but doesn’t get the elevation right. She skies it straight to Charlie Dean, who settles under it and takes a calm reverse-cup catch. A fine innings from Kapp ends on 42 from 33.

Meanwhile, Wolvaardt is nearing her century, batting on 96.

RSA-W 192-4 (37)

Oh no, another one goes. What a terrible batting display by South Africa's middle-order batters. Bell returns to the attack and strikes straight away, Sinalo Jafta has been knocked over! A lovely wobble-seam delivery on a good length; Jafta stays rooted, plays down the wrong line, and the ball sneaks through to crash into middle and off. Jafta goes for just 1 run.

RSA-W 192-5 (37.1)

Laura Wolvaardt brings up a magnificent hundred! She nudges Bell’s length delivery wide of third man, runs hard for two, and that’s it, her maiden World Cup century! The South African skipper takes off her helmet, raises her bat to the crowd, and shares a warm hug with Annerie Dercksen. The entire South African dugout is on its feet, applauding their captain’s brilliance. She’s been in sublime form throughout the tournament, and tonight, she’s delivered when it mattered most.

RSA-W 202-5 (40)

Another reverse sweep, another wicket! Ecclestone continues to weave her magic. Tossed up on off, full and inviting, and Annerie Dercksen goes for the extravagant reverse, but she only manages to drag it back onto her stumps! The off pole is knocked over, and Ecclestone bags her fourth wicket of the innings. Dercksen never quite got settled and departs for just 4.

RSA-W 208-6 (41)

Laura Wolvaardt is in the form of her life today, scoring freely, no matter who’s bowling to her. However, Chloe Tryon has been quiet so far, with just 7 runs off 11 balls. The Proteas could use someone like Nadine de Klerk at the other end to keep the momentum going. Did they make a blunder by not sending her earlier?

RSA-W 238-6 (44)

Laura Wolvaardt is wreaking havoc with her bat. She smashed 19 runs against Linsey Smith in the 47th over, including a six and a hat-trick of fours. The intest has been same from the start. Boundaries are just flowing from her bat as he also reaches 150. She's currently batting on 168, can we see a double hundred today?

RSA-W 284-6 (47)

Oh, what an innings that was. Wolvaardt’s masterclass finally comes to an end. Bell takes the pace off, delivers a slower one full and wide outside off, Wolvaardt goes for the lofted shot but doesn’t quite get hold of it. Straight down to Capsey at long-on, who takes it safely. The England players rush in to shake her hand, pure respect for a truly magnificent knock. Bell gives her a pat on the back as Wolvaardt walks off to a standing ovation. One of the finest innings you’ll see in a World Cup, she’s put South Africa firmly in control.

RSA-W 291-7 (48)

What a turnaround from South Africa. From collapsing for 69 in the group stage to piling up a massive total tonight, this has been a statement performance. Laura Wolvaardt led from the front with one of the finest knocks in women’s cricket, anchoring the innings before exploding after her hundred.

Her 169 set the tone, with Kapp providing solid support and Tryon along with de Klerk finishing in style. 117 runs came off the last 10 overs, pure domination. Ecclestone’s four wickets were the only bright spot for England, who now face a mammoth chase in this high-pressure clash.

RSA-W 319-7 (50)

Let's take a look at some breaks before we move to the chase.

Highest scores for South Africa in World Cups

169 - Laura Wolvaardt vs ENG-W, 2025 SF

102* - Marizanne Kapp vs PAK-W, 2013

101* - Linda Olivier vs IRE-W, 2000

101 - Tazmin Brits vs NZ-W, 2025

Most wickets for ENG-W in World Cups

37 - Sophie Ecclestone (16 inns)*

37 - Carole Hodges (24 inns)

36 - Clare Taylor (25 inns)

34 - Anya Shrubsole (22 inns)

Most hundreds in Women’s ODIs

15 - Meg Lanning (AUS)

14 - Smriti Mandhana (IND)

13 - Suzie Bates (NZ)

12 - Tammy Beaumont (ENG)

10 - Nat Sciver-Brunt (ENG

10 - Laura Wolvaardt (SA)*

We're back for the second innings. Marizanne Kapp is bowling the first over , so, expect some early breakthroughs already.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont are at the crease. Amy Jones is on strike.

What a sensational start for South Africa! Marizanne Kapp sets the tone with a fiery double-wicket maiden. First, she castles Amy Jones with a beautiful nip-backer, then sends Knight packing with one that shapes away and drags back onto the stumps. Kapp is roaring, and England are in deep trouble right from the outset, two down inside the first over.

ENG-W 0-2 (1)

Unbelievable scenes in the semifinal! Ayabonga Khaka joins the party, England’s top three gone for ducks! A perfect away swinger kisses the edge, and Jafta takes a sharp catch behind. What a start for South Africa, dream powerplay unfolding. Tammy Beaumont registers golden duck.

ENG-W 5-3 (2)

A horrible start to England’s chase, their top three batters were dismissed for ducks. However, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey have steadied the innings. The scoring rate has been slow, but they’ve managed to avoid further damage so far.

ENG-W 34-3 (10)

Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Casey have stabled the innings and are slowly shifting the gears too. The required run-rate is almose double at the moment. They need to stick to the wicket for more time and then start the attack.

ENG-W 67-3 (16)

South Africa Women starting to lose their grip here! A few sloppy moments, a dropped catch, some unnecessary extras, and suddenly, the pressure is back on them. England Women are cashing in nicely, finding boundaries more frequently now as the momentum slowly shifts in their favour. Meanwhile, both Capsey and Sciver-Brunt are nearing their individual half-centuries and aslo a 100-run stand.

ENG-W 90-3 (20)

Finally! A breakthroug for the Proteas. Just when England were building momentum, Capsey throws it away right after reaching her fifty. She charges down the track to Luus, looking for a big shot, but ends up miscuing it straight to de Klerk at mid-off. A soft dismissal after all the hard work, Capsey departs for 50.

ENG-W 112-4 (24)

Marizanne Kapp delivers when it matters most! A full delivery that nips in and straightens, Nat Sciver-Brunt drives, gets a faint edge, and Jafta takes a sharp low catch. Massive moment, England’s anchor departs on 64.

ENG-W 143-5 (29)

Two wickets in two balls, she’s turning this semi-final into her own highlight reel! First, Sophia Dunkley nicks one trying to steer wide of slip, brilliantly taken low by Jafta. Next ball, Charlie Dean edges another probing delivery, Jafta again safe as ever behind the stumps! Kapp gets her fifer in the World Cup semi.

ENG-W 144-7 (31)

Mlaba strikes as Ecclestone goes for the sweep but doesn’t get the timing right, hits it straight to Dercksen at deep mid-wicket, who takes it calmly without moving an inch. Another one bites the dust for England, and South Africa edge closer to sealing the deal.

ENG-W 152-8 (34)

Nadine de Klerk gets her reward late in the innings. She follows Wyatt-Hodge with a full delivery on the pads, and the batter tries to slog it away but ends up picking out the fielder perfectly. Sekhukhune, the substitute, takes a clean reverse-cup catch at deep backward square. de Klerk lets out a loud roar and double fist-pump, South Africa just one wicket away from sealing the deal.

ENG-W 186-9 (41)

South Africa are through to the World Cup final! de Klerk seals it with a clever slower off-cutter on middle. Smith looks to loft it over mid-off but ends up slicing it. Luus moves swiftly to her right, slides, and takes a brilliant low catch. The Proteas erupt in joy, players sprint in from all corners as they celebrate a famous semi-final victory.

ENG-W 194-10 (42.3)

South Africa have done it! What a performance from the Proteas. Wolvaardt’s magnificent century laid the foundation, and Marizanne Kapp’s sensational fifer sealed the deal. Her fiery spells, including two double-wicket maidens, shattered England’s chase and reduced them to 1/3 early on.

Though Sciver-Brunt and Capsey tried to fight back, Kapp returned to finish the job in style. The Proteas have finally buried the ghosts of 2017 and 2022, years of heartbreak turned into triumph. From a shaky start to the tournament, they’ve risen spectacularly to reach the Women’s World Cup 2025 Final.

Let's take a look at some stats!

Biggest defeat margins for ENG-W in World Cups
126 runs vs AUS-W, North Sydney, 1988
125 runs vs SA-W, Guwahati, 2025*
93 runs vs NZ-W, Lincoln, 2000
71 runs vs AUS-W, Christchurch, 2022
54 runs vs AUS-W, Lincoln, 2000

Five-wicket haul for SA-W in ODI World Cups
5/67 - Sune Luus vs AUS, Taunton, 2017
5/45 - Marizanne Kapp vs ENG, Mount Maunganui, 2022
5/20 - Marizanne Kapp vs ENG, Guwahati, 2025*

South Africa in semis in ODI WC (Men’s/Women’s)
Matches: 9
Won: 1
Lost: 7
Tied: 1 (vs AUS, 1999)

The Proteas have given a statement here to both India and Australia who will be taking on each other for the 2nd semifinal in Navi Mumbai tomorrow. Australia defeated India during the league stage but the knockouts' pressure would be something else.

However, India will be without their star opener, Pratika Rawal, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. Shafali Verma has replaced her and is likely to play in the semifinal.

Check: India vs Australia, Semi-Final 2 weather report.

Thank you for joining us in the live coverage of ENG-W vs SA-W semifinal 1. Don't forget to tune-in tomorrow for the grand contest between India and Australia semifinal 2 from Navi Mumbai.