The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has reached a fever pitch, as the semi-final lineups are now locked in following a dramatic group stage finale. Australia, the defending champions and perennial powerhouses, stamped their authority with a resounding seven-wicket victory over South Africa in Indore on October 25, 2025. This win not only confirmed their top spot in the standings but also sent a clear signal to the rest of the field: the Aussies remain the team to beat.
Australia’s campaign has been nothing short of spectacular. With six wins from seven matches and only a rain-affected washout against Sri Lanka marring their otherwise perfect record, they’ve showcased depth, skill, and relentless consistency. Their latest triumph over South Africa was powered by a historic performance from Alana King, whose leg-spin wizardry yielded a career-best 7/18—now officially the best bowling figures ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup match. King’s spell dismantled the Proteas for a paltry 97 runs in just 24 overs, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe.
South Africa’s innings began with promise as captain Laura Wolvaardt raced to a brisk 31, peppering the boundaries with confidence. She looked in imperious touch, unleashing seven boundaries in the first six overs and taking full advantage of some wayward bowling from Megan Schutt. But once Wolvaardt miscued a shot off Schutt and King completed a sharp diving catch at short mid-wicket, the momentum shifted abruptly. Tazmin Brits’ brief resistance ended soon after, and from there, it was the Alana King show. Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon all fell victim to King’s guile, with the South Africans crumbling under the pressure. Sinalo Jafta mounted a short-lived counterattack, notching 29 with five boundaries, but her dismissal by King sealed the Proteas’ fate.
Reflecting on the defeat, South Africa’s Sinalo Jafta admitted, “We’re hurt after this loss, but we’re confident we’ll bounce back against England in the semi-final.” Despite the heavy loss, the Proteas remain upbeat about their prospects as they prepare for another high-stakes clash.
Chasing a modest target of 98, Australia did not have it all their own way. Early wickets threatened to make things interesting, but Georgia Voll’s unbeaten 38 steadied the ship. Beth Mooney played a typically aggressive knock of 42, while Annabel Sutherland’s composure ensured there were no late hiccups. The chase was wrapped up inside 17 overs, sealing Australia’s place atop the group and reinforcing their status as tournament favorites.
With the group stage concluded, the semi-final matchups are set. England, the 2017 champions and four-time World Cup winners, will face South Africa in Guwahati on October 29, 2025. England’s path to the knockouts was marked by consistency, with only a single defeat at the hands of Australia. Their qualification was secured with two games to spare, thanks to a crucial victory over India. The English side, led by Heather Knight, will be eager to replicate their previous semi-final success against South Africa, recalling the dramatic finish in 2017 when they edged out the Proteas in Bristol.
South Africa, meanwhile, have enjoyed a strong campaign overall, finishing second in the group despite their bookending losses to England and Australia. The Proteas have reached the semi-finals in three of the last four editions (2000, 2017, and 2022), but a place in the final has always eluded them. Their resilience and talent, especially in the form of Wolvaardt and Jafta, will be tested as they seek to make history.
The second semi-final promises to be a blockbuster, as Australia lock horns with hosts India in Navi Mumbai on October 30, 2025. This clash is a repeat of the 2017 semi-final, a match still fresh in the memory of cricket fans. Back then, India stunned Australia thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s unforgettable 171*, handing the Aussies their last World Cup defeat. Since that day in Derby, Australia have been unbeaten in World Cup matches—a remarkable streak that India will be desperate to break.
India’s journey to the semi-finals has been a rollercoaster. Their campaign has been marked by inconsistency, but also flashes of brilliance. The hosts clinched their knockout berth with a convincing win over New Zealand on October 23, 2025, propelled by centuries from openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana. However, their earlier group stage encounter with Australia saw them lose a high-scoring thriller, failing to defend a mammoth 330 as Alyssa Healy’s century led the Aussies to a world-record chase. Still, India’s batting firepower and home support could make all the difference in the high-pressure semi-final.
The tournament’s final will be held at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on November 2, 2025. With the four semi-finalists—Australia, India, England, and South Africa—each bringing their own narratives, history, and ambitions, the stage is set for an electrifying conclusion to a month of top-class cricket.
Looking back, the group stages offered no shortage of drama. Australia’s dominance was clear from the outset, with their only blemish being a rain-affected washout. South Africa’s campaign, though marred by heavy defeats to the top teams, was buoyed by five wins and a fighting spirit that kept them in contention. England’s steady hand and India’s flair ensured a balanced semi-final field, with each team capable of producing magic on their day.
For the Proteas, the defeat to Australia stings, but their eyes are firmly on the challenge ahead. As Sinalo Jafta put it, “We’re confident we’ll bounce back.” The English, too, will be wary of a South African side eager to shed their semi-final heartbreaks. Meanwhile, India’s fans will hope their team can summon the spirit of 2017 and topple the mighty Australians once again. And for Australia, the quest for another title continues, with Alana King’s record-breaking performance serving as a reminder of their unmatched depth and quality.
As the semi-finals approach, anticipation is building across the cricketing world. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? With history, pride, and a coveted trophy on the line, the coming days promise high drama and unforgettable moments. The Women’s World Cup 2025 is far from over—the best, as they say, may be yet to come.
