ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 | Match 4: England vs South Africa | Preview and Predictions

Two contenders face off in an early blockbuster game at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

For the game between England and South Africa, here are our preview and predictions.

ICC Women’s CWC 2025 | Match 4: ENG vs SA | 15:00 IST, October 3

England enter this tournament a changed team. Nat Sciver-Brunt is now captain, having taken over the reins from Heather Knight, and Charlotte Edwards has taken the mantle of head coach of the side, looking to leverage her vast experience in winning a multitude of titles across different leagues to deliver England their first World Cup since 2017.

On paper, England have a well-balanced and highly talented squad capable of going all the way. Sciver-Brunt has established herself as one of the best all-rounders in the game and is currently ranked second in the ODI batting rankings. Tammy Beaumont, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight, and Alice Capsey form the core of a formidable batting order, while World No. 1 bowler Sophie Ecclestone is expected to lead the charge with the ball along with Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, and Lauren Filer.

Despite their potential, England have had a rather underwhelming ODI record of late. They won the home series against the West Indies, but that was sandwiched between comprehensive series losses to Australia and India. Having won their warm-up games against India and Australia, however, they’ll look to start the proceedings with a win — especially since India and Australia have already got off the mark. 

South Africa, meanwhile, will believe that this is the year they go all the way and win their first-ever World Cup after faltering in the final in consecutive T20 World Cups. And they have the squad for it. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits are as good an opening pair there is in women’s cricket. Marizanne Kapp has consistently been one of the leading all-rounders in the world and is well supported by Chloe Tryon and Anneke Bosch. In the bowling department, Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba are expected to get things going from where Shabnim Ismail left.

The Proteas have had a decent build-up to the tournament, having beaten the West Indies and Pakistan in consecutive ODI series, which should hold them in good stead.

Both England and South Africa will look at the recent India–Sri Lanka game in Guwahati to pick their playing XIs, given neither side has played any cricket at this venue despite both having players who have plenty of experience in the Women’s Premier League.

There’s very little to separate the two teams, who virtually match each other player for player and have quality in all departments. That said, South Africa are our favourites here given their superior record in ODIs recently.

Fantasy XI: Tammy Beaumont (wk), Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Marizanne Kapp (vc), Chloe Tryon, Sophie Ecclestone, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Charlie Dean, Lauren Filer, Ayabonga Khaka

Venue: Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
Winners Predictions: South Africa