LIVE: Brunt falls, England five down in CWC25 clash
The two teams had faced each other in their very first group stage fixture, with England taking the honours in the showdown.
Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey staged a strong recovery for England after the team suffered an early collapse against South Africa in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 clash. The pair combined for a crucial 100-run partnership, steadying the innings and keeping England’s hopes alive in the contest.
Earlier on, South Africa made an excellent start to their semi-final clash, putting England on the back foot with three quick wickets inside the first few overs. Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka set the tone early, reducing England to 1/3.
Kapp produced a brilliant opening over, dismissing Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks to claim two wickets and a maiden. Khaka then joined the act by removing Tammy Beaumont, who was caught behind while attempting to glance the ball down the leg side.
It was the perfect start for South Africa as their pacers applied relentless pressure to leave England reeling early in the chase. However, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey steadied England’s innings after the early collapse, absorbing pressure by building a crucial fifty-run partnership.
South Africa's early breakthroughs dent England's chase | Powerplay Highlights | CWC25
Watch powerplay highlights from the England chase from the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup first semi-final clash between England and South Africa.
In the first innings, Laura Wolvaardt brought up her maiden World Cup century as South Africa posted 319/7 in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final clash against England.
Wolvaardt produced a magnificent knock of 169 off 143 balls to help South Africa finish strongly despite losing key wickets in the middle overs and her innings was laced with 20 fours and four sixes.
Tazmin Brits (45), Marizanne Kapp (42) and Chloe Tryon (33*) also made valuable contributions with the bat. Among England’s bowlers, Sophie Ecclestone (4/44) stood out while Lauren Bell (2/55) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (1/67) provided crucial support.
However, the rest of England’s bowlers proved expensive, conceding crucial runs in the death overs as South Africa finished with a late flourish to post a commanding total on the board.
REPLAY: CWC25: 1st Semi-final, England v South Africa (1st Innings)
Put in to bat, South Africa got off to an excellent start with openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits adding 116 runs for the first wicket. But England slowly clawed their way back into the contest when they picked up three wickets for just three runs, reducing South Africa from 116 for no loss to 119/3.
However, Wolvaardt and Kapp steadied the innings with a composed 72-run stand that restored South Africa’s momentum.
Once Wolvaardt reached her century, she switched gears and she later put up a vital 89 run-stand with Tryon after Kapp’s dismissal. Wolvaardt contributed heavily in that partnership before being dismissed by Bell after a brilliant century that set the tone.
Tryon continued the charge in the final overs, finding support from Nadine de Klerk as the duo added 28 runs in the last two overs. Their late flourish ensured South Africa crossed the 300-run mark.
Wolvaardt brings up an inspirational first World Cup century | CWC25
Watch Laura Wolvaardt's hundred during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup first semi-final clash between England and South Africa.
Earlier, Sophie Ecclestone 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.
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
