The business end of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has arrived, and with it comes a surge of excitement as the four semi-finalists have been confirmed. As the league stage winds down, fans across the globe are gearing up for a thrilling conclusion, with Australia, South Africa, England, and India set to vie for cricket’s most coveted prize in the women’s game. The semi-finals are scheduled to commence on October 29, 2025, with the final showdown set for November 2. But how did these teams reach this stage, and what can we expect as the tournament nears its climax?
Australia have been nothing short of dominant throughout the group stage, setting the standard for excellence in this edition of the World Cup. With five wins from six matches and a single no result, they were the first team to punch their ticket to the semi-finals. Their campaign has been marked by resilience and composure, even when put under pressure by determined opponents. The Aussies have shown time and again why they’re considered the team to beat, and their unbeaten record is a testament to their depth and adaptability. “Australia by far have been the best team in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025,” as noted by Khel Now Cricket, and with such a track record, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
Hot on Australia’s heels, South Africa became the second team to secure a semi-final berth. Matching Australia’s record with five wins from six matches, the Proteas have consistently delivered strong performances. Their ability to close out tight games and maintain focus under pressure has made them genuine contenders for the title. South Africa’s journey to the knockouts has been characterized by both individual brilliance and a collective team spirit that has seen them overcome tough challenges along the way.
England, meanwhile, have also enjoyed an impressive run, qualifying as the third team for the semi-finals. With four wins in six matches and just a single loss, England sit third on the points table with nine points. Their campaign has been built on a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, with captain Nat Sciver-Brunt leading from the front. England’s consistency has been particularly impressive, and they’ll be eager to carry their momentum into the knockouts. Their final group-stage match against New Zealand Women, set for Sunday, October 26 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, offers a chance to fine-tune their game ahead of the high-stakes encounters to come.
For New Zealand, however, the 2025 World Cup has been a tale of missed opportunities and frustration. With just four points from six games, they have been eliminated from semi-final contention. Captain Sophie Devine and her side have struggled to find form, managing only one win in their last five outings, while three matches were washed out due to rain. “New Zealand, on the other hand, have been eliminated from the tournament after managing just 4 points from six games, marking a disappointing campaign for Sophie Devine’s side,” reports The Sporting News. Despite flashes of individual brilliance—particularly from Devine herself, who has amassed 304 runs at an average of 87.50—the team has lacked the consistency needed to compete with the tournament’s elite.
India’s path to the semi-finals was anything but straightforward. After suffering three consecutive defeats, the pressure was on as they faced New Zealand in a must-win encounter. Rising to the occasion, India secured a vital 53-run victory, clinching the final semi-final spot and moving to six points. Even with one league game remaining, India’s position is set—they will finish fourth on the points table, regardless of the outcome. Their ability to bounce back when it mattered most has reignited hopes among their passionate fan base. “After the win over New Zealand, India became the last team to qualify for the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. They were under serious pressure coming into the game, having lost three back to back games, but they held their nerves and won the game by 53 runs,” Khel Now Cricket highlighted.
With the semi-finalists confirmed, the matchups are set to deliver high-octane drama. The first semi-final, scheduled for October 29, will see the table-topping Australia face off against fourth-placed India. The following day, October 30, South Africa will lock horns with England in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle. The winners of these two clashes will meet in the grand finale on November 2—a date cricket fans will have circled on their calendars for months.
Looking back at the group stage, several standout performers have caught the eye. For England, Sophie Ecclestone has been a revelation with the ball, picking up 11 wickets in five matches. Her ability to apply pressure and take crucial wickets at key moments has been instrumental in England’s success. On the batting front, Heather Knight’s steady contributions have anchored the team’s innings, while Tammy Beaumont and Emma Lamb have provided solid starts at the top of the order. England’s blend of experience and youth, guided by the tactical nous of Nat Sciver-Brunt, makes them a formidable opponent in the knockouts.
For New Zealand, despite the early exit, there have been individual positives. Sophie Devine’s consistency with the bat and Lea Tahuhu’s nine wickets in five games have been bright spots in an otherwise tough campaign. However, the team’s inability to string together complete performances ultimately cost them a place in the final four.
As the semi-finals approach, pundits and fans alike are speculating about who will lift the trophy this year. Australia, with their unbeaten streak, remain the favorites, but in knockout cricket, anything can happen. South Africa’s determination, England’s tactical versatility, and India’s fighting spirit all pose significant threats to the reigning giants. The format ensures that the top team faces the fourth-placed side, while the second and third teams square off, setting the stage for some potentially mouth-watering contests.
Adding to the intrigue are the individual battles that could define the semi-finals. Can Sophie Ecclestone continue her wicket-taking form against South Africa’s powerful batting lineup? Will India’s bowlers find a way to break through Australia’s resilient top order? And can South Africa finally overcome their semi-final hoodoo to reach the final?
With only a handful of matches left, the Women’s Cricket World Cup has already delivered its share of upsets, dominant displays, and heart-stopping finishes. The semi-finals promise even more drama, with each team just two wins away from etching their names in cricketing history. The stage is set, the players are ready, and the eyes of the sporting world are fixed on the action that will unfold over the next week.
As the countdown begins for the semi-finals and the final, one thing is certain: the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is poised for a memorable finish. Whether it’s Australia extending their dominance, South Africa breaking new ground, England reclaiming glory, or India pulling off a stunning turnaround, fans are in for a treat. Stay tuned—the best is yet to come!
