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Thursday, October 30, 2025

LIVE | Proteas Women vs England: South Africa side chase historic World Cup final spot

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Welcome to Sport’s live coverage of the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final between South Africa and England in Guwahati.

Can Laura Wolvaardt’s Proteas finally break their semi-final curse and reach a first-ever World Cup final, or will England once again stand in their way? Stay with us for all the action, analysis, and reaction as it unfolds.

The Proteas Women have a date with destiny in today’s ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final against England in Guwahati.

Laura Wolvaardt’s side will be hoping it’s third time lucky after suffering semi-final heartbreaks in Bristol (2017) and Christchurch (2022) — both against the same formidable opponents. They’ll also be eager to erase any lingering memories of their opening-game mauling by England at this very venue.

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With history and pressure stacked against them, it will take not only skill but immense courage and belief if the Proteas are to reach their first-ever ODI World Cup final.

Encouragingly, Wolvaardt’s team have shown plenty of resilience and what many like to call “bounce-back ability”, winning five straight matches since that opening defeat. They’ve discovered a winning rhythm and, crucially, a sense of momentum that could carry them past their biggest hurdle yet.

There’s no shortage of match-winners in this Proteas side, starting with captain Wolvaardt and her opening partner Tazmin Brits. Both have been relatively quiet so far in the tournament but will be hoping they’ve saved their best for the knockout stages.

All-rounder Marizanne Kapp remains one of the global game’s standout performers and will be desperate to extend what could well be her final World Cup journey. Her experience and temperament under pressure could once again prove invaluable.

The middle order, too, has delivered serious firepower. Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk have embraced their roles as the team’s “Bash Sisters”, finishing innings with intent and aggression. De Klerk, in particular, has been in superb form, striking the ball cleanly and consistently to all parts of the ground.

With the ball, the Proteas have found control and potency through left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba, whose consistency and guile have anchored the attack. Her battle against England’s top order could be one of the defining contests of the match.

It’s all set up for a fascinating clash — one dripping with history, tension, and opportunity. Knowing the Proteas’ past, both in the men’s and women’s games, it’s fair to expect drama until the very end.

Win or lose, Guwahati is ready for a thriller.

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