The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has reached a fever pitch as four of the sport’s most formidable teams—Australia, England, South Africa, and India—prepare to battle for a coveted place in the grand finale. With the semifinals upon us, fans worldwide are bracing for world-class cricket, high-pressure drama, and the potential for new champions to emerge. The first of these electrifying showdowns will see England take on South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, with the action set to begin at 3:00 pm IST (10:30 am GMT).
England’s journey to the semifinals has been nothing short of impressive. The squad finished second in the group stage, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful energy. Their campaign included a dominant 10-wicket victory over South Africa in the group opener and a nail-biting four-run win over India—a result that, according to bowler Lauren Bell, filled the team with confidence. “Getting over the line in situations like that fills you with a lot of confidence, especially as a bowling and fielding unit. If we’re in that situation again, we know we’ve done it once before,” Bell told The Athletic.
This semifinal marks a significant milestone for England. Not only does it offer a shot at a third consecutive 50-over World Cup final, but it’s also the maiden major tournament in leadership roles for head coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Edwards, England’s all-time leading run-scorer and a seasoned coach with a trophy-laden career, has instilled a calm yet fiercely competitive spirit in the squad. “She’s a good mixture—laid back, but says something when it is needed,” said fast bowler Lauren Filer, describing Edwards’ coaching style. “She lets you do your own thing and when she needs to give input, she does.”
Sciver-Brunt, meanwhile, brings her own brand of composure to the captaincy. “She’s got such a calm and level head—it settles us all down. The India game was a prime example. Having a really calm captain allowed us to protect the game and take it as deep as possible. We didn’t go searching to try and make things happen,” Bell remarked. The synergy between coach and captain has been evident in England’s methodical approach to both preparation and match-day execution.
England’s squad for the semifinal is a testament to continuity and depth. Eight of the 11 players who featured in the 2022 final are present, including key figures like Heather Knight, Tammy Beaumont, and Sophie Ecclestone. Training sessions are tailored to the needs of each player, with autonomy over gym routines and technical focus. The team’s fielding has been a standout, reflecting countless hours of dedicated practice. “We’ve worked really, really hard,” Bell emphasized. “We’ve actually just put in performances that are a representation of how good we are as a fielding side.”
Off the field, the squad has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. Downtime is filled with puzzles, Lego, quizzes, and even barista competitions—Sophia Dunkley is the acknowledged barista-in-chief. These moments of relaxation and bonding have helped maintain morale during a grueling tour that has spanned more than 50 nights in hotels and stops in nine airports. The England camp even travels with its own bean-to-cup coffee machine, a vital lifeline for players like Heather Knight and Charlie Dean.
On the other side of the pitch, South Africa arrives in Guwahati with momentum and determination. The Proteas women, led by Laura Wolvaardt, secured third place in the group stage after crucial wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This is South Africa’s third appearance in a Women’s World Cup semifinal, and the team is hungry to make history by reaching their first-ever final. Their aggressive bowling attack, spearheaded by Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp, will look to unsettle England’s disciplined top order.
Historically, England holds a commanding lead in head-to-head WODI encounters, winning 36 out of 47 matches against South Africa, with the Proteas claiming 10 victories and one match ending in a tie. However, South Africa’s recent resurgence and the high stakes of a World Cup semifinal mean past records may count for little when the players take the field. The Proteas’ squad, featuring stalwarts like Chloe Tryon, Tazmin Brits, and Sune Luus, is well aware of the opportunity before them.
Fans eager to witness this high-stakes clash can secure tickets through the official ICC website, which redirects to BookMyShow for final booking. Ticket prices are accessible, starting at 100 INR for most stands and rising to 1000 INR for premium South Corporate Boxes. The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is expected to be abuzz with excitement as supporters from both nations turn out in force.
Both semifinals in this World Cup have been allocated reserve days to ensure fair play and avoid rain-affected results—a nod to the unpredictable October weather in the region. The winners of England versus South Africa will advance to the grand final on November 2, 2025, at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where they will face the victor of the second semifinal between hosts India and defending champions Australia.
Speaking of the other semifinal, Australia enters as the only undefeated side in the tournament and the reigning champions. Their clash with India, who secured their spot after a dramatic must-win victory over New Zealand, promises to be another blockbuster. With Alyssa Healy, Annabel Sutherland, and Alana King in red-hot form, Australia will be tested by a rejuvenated Indian team buoyed by home support and the exploits of Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Deepti Sharma.
Back in Guwahati, England’s focus remains firmly on the immediate challenge. As Lauren Bell put it, “We will focus on South Africa first.” The squad knows that victory will set up a tantalizing final against either a familiar rival or the host nation—each scenario brimming with narrative and intrigue.
As the cricketing world watches, these semifinals are poised to deliver unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, and performances that will echo for years to come. With so much at stake and so many storylines converging, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semifinals are shaping up to be a truly epic prelude to the final chapter of this remarkable tournament.
