England’s women’s cricket team stormed into the semifinals of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup with a commanding eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, October 26. The triumph not only capped off England’s group stage campaign in style but also served as a bittersweet farewell for New Zealand’s iconic captain Sophie Devine, who played her final One Day International (ODI) in front of an appreciative crowd and a guard of honor from both teams.
The contest, played in hot and humid conditions at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, saw England seal second place in the group standings with five wins, a single loss to Australia, and one no-result from seven games. The result pushed South Africa down to third, setting up a tantalizing semifinal clash between England and the Proteas in Guwahati on Wednesday, October 29. Meanwhile, defending champions Australia, who topped the table, are set to face co-hosts India in the other semifinal the following day.
New Zealand, on the other hand, concluded a disappointing campaign in sixth place, managing just one win and two no-results in seven outings—their leanest World Cup showing since 1978. The White Ferns’ struggles were compounded by injuries and rain interruptions throughout the tournament. Yet, the day belonged, in part, to Sophie Devine, whose 23-run knock in her 159th and final ODI was met with heartfelt applause and an emotional farewell.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand’s innings never quite found its rhythm. England’s bowlers, led by the left-arm spin of Linsey Smith, ensured that the White Ferns were bowled out for 168 in just 38.2 overs. Smith, who had a wobbly start with several full tosses in the powerplay, bounced back to claim impressive figures of 3-30. She was ably supported by Nat Sciver-Brunt, who picked up 2-31 in her seven overs, and Alice Capsey, whose part-time off-spin yielded 2-34 in six overs.
New Zealand’s top order showed some resistance, with Georgia Plimmer top-scoring with 43 and Amelia Kerr contributing 35. The pair added a promising 68-run partnership for the second wicket, but their dismissals in consecutive overs—Kerr caught off Capsey and Plimmer trapped lbw by Charlie Dean—triggered a collapse. Brooke Halliday fell cheaply for four, and the lower-middle order couldn’t stem the tide as wickets tumbled at regular intervals. England’s bowlers maintained pressure, and the White Ferns lost their final five wickets for just 13 runs, a testament to England’s clinical approach in the field.
Sophie Ecclestone’s early exit due to a shoulder injury during a fielding mishap left England one bowler short, but the team rallied impressively. Ecclestone, who bowled only four balls before leaving the field, is now a fitness concern for England ahead of the knockout stage. Nonetheless, substitute fielder Emma Lamb contributed, taking a catch to dismiss Suzie Bates, while Smith and Capsey stepped up to fill the void left by Ecclestone’s absence.
England’s pursuit of 169 was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont set the tone with a 75-run stand off 88 balls. Beaumont, who struck seven fours in her 40-run knock, was eventually trapped lbw by Lea Tahuhu. That brought captain Heather Knight to the crease, and she joined Jones in a brisk 83-run partnership that all but sealed the result. Knight’s 33 came off 40 balls before she was trapped in front by Devine, who savored the moment of claiming a wicket in her final ODI.
The star of the chase was undoubtedly Amy Jones, whose unbeaten 86 off 92 balls anchored the innings. Jones reached her second half-century of the tournament in 71 balls, peppering the boundary with 11 fours and a six. She was named player of the match for her efforts. Reflecting on her performance, Jones said, “The pitch was quite challenging. It was slow and frustrating. So I am happy to get through that. Tammy was brilliant at the start and took pressure off me. It is hugely exciting to be in the semifinal. It was great for Sophie to get this recognition (guard of honour) – she is a legend of the game and she means a lot to New Zealand cricket.”
For New Zealand, the match was a microcosm of their tournament: promising starts, but missed opportunities and an inability to capitalize on England’s rare lapses. The White Ferns’ campaign was further marred by rain-affected fixtures, which contributed to their elimination before the final match. Yet, the sight of Sophie Devine walking through a guard of honor, embraced by teammates and opponents alike, provided a poignant moment for fans and players. Devine is expected to continue in the T20 format, where she remains a force for the White Ferns.
The day’s other scheduled fixture, between India and Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai, was abandoned due to persistent rain. India, chasing a modest 119 in a match reduced to 27 overs per side, were well placed at 57-0 after 8.4 overs when the heavens opened again. The abandonment ensured Bangladesh finished seventh in the standings, while India advanced to the semifinals but were left sweating over the fitness of in-form opener Pratika Rawal, who suffered a knee injury while fielding.
With the group stage wrapped up, attention now turns to the high-stakes semifinals. England, riding the momentum of a dominant win and boasting a well-rounded squad, will face South Africa in Guwahati—a venue where they previously bowled out the Proteas for just 69. However, questions linger over the availability of Sophie Ecclestone, whose left-arm spin has been a key weapon for England throughout the tournament.
Australia and India, both packed with star power and home advantage, are set for a blockbuster semifinal clash in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the World Cup. For England, the emphatic win over New Zealand not only secured a spot in the semifinals but also sent a clear message to their rivals: the four-time champions are peaking at just the right time.
As the tournament enters its decisive phase, fans can expect more drama, dazzling performances, and perhaps a few more emotional farewells. For now, though, England’s women have every reason to celebrate a job well done—and to look ahead with confidence to the challenges that await.
