The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign is off to an electrifying start as two-time champions England face off against a strong South African side. Ahead of the match, England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasized the critical need to contain South Africa’s key players, particularly captain Laura Wolvaardt, stating, ‘If you let her get going, it is difficult to get her out. So, we will be putting our plans in place for her.’
Wolvaardt is a cornerstone of the Proteas’ batting lineup. As South Africa’s leading ODI run-scorer, she has amassed an impressive 4,651 runs in 110 matches, boasting an average of 48.95, with nine centuries and 35 half-centuries. Her leadership since 2021 has seen her game elevate further, contributing 1,523 runs in 32 matches at an average of 56.40, and guiding her team to 16 victories. Former England captain Heather Knight lauded Wolvaardt as a ‘calm leader’ whose batting has reached new heights under her captaincy.
Adding to South Africa’s formidable top order is Tazmin Brits, who enters the tournament in exceptional form. This year alone, Brits has scored 643 runs in just nine innings at a staggering average of 91.85, including four centuries and a fifty. Her recent performances feature an incredible hat-trick of centuries against Pakistan, alongside significant scores against West Indies, highlighting the immense challenge awaiting England’s bowlers.
England, with a well-balanced squad featuring star players like Tammy Beaumont, Sophie Ecclestone, Alice Capsey, and Heather Knight, is determined to secure an early advantage by making crucial breakthroughs, especially against South Africa’s dangerous opening partnership.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati is set for a high-stakes contest. England, eager for a winning start to their World Cup journey, will face a South African team relying heavily on Wolvaardt’s consistency and Brits’ destructive hitting. Tactical execution, particularly during the powerplay, and individual brilliance are expected to dictate the outcome of this opening encounter.
The toss saw England Women’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt opt to field first against South Africa Women. Both teams lined up for the national anthems, a moment of tradition before the intensity of the game began. As the players dispersed, the English team gathered for a final huddle, a common practice before taking the field.
South Africa’s openers, captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, walked out to the pitch for a discussion before facing the first ball. Lauren Bell, known for her ever-present smile, opened the bowling for England.
Bell started her spell with a delivery outside off, which Wolvaardt opted to shoulder arms. However, Wolvaardt quickly found her rhythm, slicing a wide delivery through the covers for a boundary, opening her scoring account with an outside edge that raced to the backward point fence. She followed up with a short ball worked towards mid-wicket for a single. Tazmin Brits was initially beaten by a late outswinger from Bell but quickly settled, smashing a full and wide ball over point for a magnificent boundary. The first over concluded with South Africa reaching 9 runs without loss, a solid start despite some early nerves from Bell.
Linsey Smith took over the bowling duties from the other end. Her first delivery to Wolvaardt was defended watchfully. However, Smith varied her pace beautifully on the second ball, dismissing Wolvaardt with a tame caught-and-bowled. Wolvaardt, attempting to work the full delivery through mid-on, played too early, offering a leading edge to Smith, departing for just 5 runs off 5 balls. This early breakthrough sent England’s players into a frenzy of celebration.
Sune Luus entered the crease at number three. Smith continued her excellent over, delivering a series of tight balls which Luus largely blocked, resulting in a wicket-maiden over. The score after 2 overs stood at 9 for 1.
Lauren Bell returned for her second over, starting with a single conceded to Tazmin Brits, bringing the score to 10 for 1 after 2.3 overs.
In post-toss interviews, South African captain Laura Wolvaardt commented that the pitch seemed a ‘bit slower’ than anticipated, making batting first an acceptable outcome. She emphasized a ‘one game at a time’ approach, praising new coach Mandla Mashimbyi for promoting ‘brave cricket’ and delivering motivating speeches. Wolvaardt highlighted her team’s balanced composition with four spin and three seam options.
England’s captain Nat Sciver-Brunt expressed her team’s desire to ‘make a mark’ on the game, hence the decision to bowl first, hoping the pitch would improve under lights. She noted England’s squad included two spinners, two seamers, and a couple of all-rounders. Sciver-Brunt conveyed confidence in their attacking yet partnership-building batting strategy and a wicket-taking bowling approach. She also celebrated Heather Knight’s 150th ODI, acknowledging her vast experience and crucial return to the squad after injuries.
The playing XIs were confirmed: England Women featured Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (WK), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell. South Africa Women’s lineup included Laura Wolvaardt (C), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (WK), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, and Nonkululeko Mlaba.
The pitch report from former New Zealand cricketer Katey Martin described the conditions as ‘sticky, hot, and humid,’ with varying boundary dimensions. Former West Indian star Carlos Brathwaite suggested that moisture under the covers would lessen the impact of cracks, making spin a significant factor, similar to the World Cup opener between India Women and Sri Lanka Women. This pivotal opening match sets a thrilling tone for the Women’s World Cup.