Women's World Cup 2025 Semi Final Preview

October 28, 2025

Semi-Final 1: England Women vs South Africa Women

England enter the semi-finals as the defending champions and one of the most balanced sides in the tournament. After a patchy start to their campaign, Sciver-Brunt's team has found momentum through a combination of disciplined bowling and dependable middle-order batting. They finished the group stage strongly, including a statement win over India that underlined their credentials.

South Africa, meanwhile, have built their run on resilience. Despite early stumbles, they edged into the top four with clutch wins driven by their experienced core. Under Laura Wolvaardt’s captaincy, they have rediscovered their fighting spirit and tactical sharpness.

England: Nat Sciver-Brunt has once again been central to England’s success, averaging over 60 in the tournament and contributing crucial overs with the ball. Sophia Dunkley’s aggressive starts and Ecclestone’s spin control will also be vital. The seam pairing of Kate Cross and Lauren Bell has provided consistency with the new ball.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt’s elegant stroke play has set the tone at the top, while Marizanne Kapp remains the heartbeat of the side, both with bat and ball. Ayabonga Khaka and Shabnim Ismail (if fit) offer South Africa genuine pace and control, making early wickets their best route to victory.

The conditions are expected to favour seamers early before easing for batting. England’s depth gives them flexibility to adapt to match situations, while South Africa may prefer defending totals with their bowling strength. England’s challenge will be handling South Africa’s short-pitched bowling, while Wolvaardt’s side must contain Sciver-Brunt and Knight in the middle overs.

Semi-Final 2: India Women vs Australia Women

A modern classic in women’s cricket, India vs Australia has grown into one of the sport’s great rivalries. Australia, six-time world champions, have been dominant throughout the group phase with clinical batting and ruthless bowling. India, under Harmanpreet Kaur, have mixed brilliance with inconsistency but remain capable of matching Australia’s intensity in big matches.

Australia topped the table with near-flawless performances, while India secured their semi-final berth with a must-win victory in their final group game, boosting confidence at the right time.

India: Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have provided attacking platforms, and Richa Ghosh’s finishing has been crucial in pressure situations. Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and middle-order composure remain key. Among the bowlers, Deepti Sharma’s spin and Renuka Thakur’s swing will test Australia’s top order.
Australia: Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney have been consistent run-machines, while Ellyse Perry and Tahlia McGrath add experience and power in the middle overs. Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round ability gives the side balance few others can match. Their pace trio, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown, and Kim Garth, offers variety and control.

Australia’s batting depth allows them to attack throughout the innings, but India’s spin-heavy attack could slow their scoring through the middle overs. The matchup between Deepti Sharma and Ashleigh Gardner could prove decisive. India’s batters will need to withstand Australia’s early pace assault; a strong start from Mandhana and Verma is essential to set up a defendable total.