LIVE: Quick strikes put South Africa three down in CWC25 tie
The two teams had faced each other in their very first group stage fixture, with England taking the honours in the showdown.
England struck with wickets in quick succession to leave South Africa three wickets down in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final clash.
Sophie Ecclestone first turned the tide for England with a brilliant over, striking twice before Nat Sciver-Brunt dismissed Sune Luus.
Ecclestone first bowled Tazmin Brits, who miscued a fuller delivery while attempting a reverse sweep before dismissing Anneke Bosch for a duck as the batter misjudged the length while looking to play through the off side. Brunt then kept the pressure on the Proteas with another wicket as Luus chopped one back onto the stumps.
Brits, along with Laura Wolvaardt, had earlier given South Africa a commanding start with a 100-run opening partnership before Ecclestone’s double breakthrough brought England back into the contest. South Africa captain Wolvaardt continued her fine run in the tournament, scoring her fourth fifty.
Anneke Bosch - Wicket - England Women vs South Africa Women
Anneke Bosch - Wicket - England Women vs South Africa Women
Earlier, England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and elected to field against South Africa in the World Cup semi-final.
The tournament has entered it's most crucial phase as the two teams square up at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati for a spot in the final.
Both the sides finished their group stage with five wins, although England pipped past the Proteas with a point from a washout.
England and Proteas eye place in Final | Will To Win Preview Show | CWC25
Crystal Arnold previews the England and South Africa semi-final at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
The two had previously met in their first game of the ongoing World Cup, with England's bowling unit putting in a masterclass to bundle out South Africa for just 69 runs.
The winner from the first semi-final will face either Australia or India, who will be in action tomorrow in Navi Mumbai to decide the other finalist.
England claim a thumping win over South Africa | Match Highlights | CWC25
Bowlers deliver an exhibition against the Proteas as England get their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign off to a stellar beginning.
Squads:
England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), 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 (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase. Reserves: Miane Smit
