The most recent encounter between South Africa Women and England Women took place on October 29, 2025, in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Semifinal, where South Africa secured a historic 125-run victory. Batting first, South Africa posted a massive 319/7, headlined by captain Laura Wolvaardt’s record-breaking 169, while England was bundled out for 194 despite a fighting 64 from Nat Sciver-Brunt. This victory propelled the Proteas to their first-ever ODI World Cup final, breaking a long-standing knockout hoodoo against the English side.
Detailed Scorecard: 2025 World Cup Semifinal
The 2025 semifinal at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati will be remembered as one of the most dominant performances in South African cricket history. The match saw records tumble as the Proteas dismantled a favored England lineup.
South Africa Women Batting
South Africa’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, led by Laura Wolvaardt, who played the “innings of her life” scoring 169 off 143 balls. Her opening partnership of 116 with Tazmin Brits (45) set a perfect foundation, allowing the middle order to play freely during the latter stages.
England’s bowling struggled to find answers for Wolvaardt’s precision, though Sophie Ecclestone was the standout performer, taking 4/45 in her 10 overs. Despite Ecclestone’s efforts to trigger a middle-order collapse, late cameos from Marizanne Kapp (42) and Chloe Tryon (33*) pushed the total to a daunting 319/7.
England Women Chase Summary
England’s pursuit of 320 began in disastrous fashion, losing three wickets for just one run in the opening two overs. Marizanne Kapp produced a lethal opening spell, removing Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks, while Ayabonga Khaka claimed the wicket of Tammy Beaumont.
A 107-run recovery partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50) briefly gave England hope, but the required run rate eventually became insurmountable. Kapp returned to complete a five-wicket haul (5/20), officially becoming the leading wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history as England was bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs.
Historical Head-to-Head Statistics
England has historically held the upper hand in this rivalry, but the gap has closed significantly in the last two years. The 2025 World Cup result signaled a shift in momentum for the South African side.
One Day Internationals (ODI)
In the 50-over format, the two nations have met over 45 times. England leads with 34 victories compared to South Africa’s 10, with one match ending in a No Result.
| Format | Matches Played | England Wins | South Africa Wins |
| ODI | 45 | 34 | 10 |
| T20I | 26 | 19 | 6 |
| Test | 7 | 3 | 0 (4 Draws) |
T20 Internationals (T20I)
The T20I record similarly favors England, who have won 19 of the 26 encounters. However, South Africa’s victory in the 2023 T20 World Cup Semifinal remains a pivotal moment in their rivalry, proving they can defeat England on the global stage.
Key Individual Performers
Several world-class athletes have defined this matchup through consistent excellence and record-breaking milestones.
South Africa’s Leading Stars
Laura Wolvaardt is the tactical and emotional leader of the Proteas. In 2025, she became the first South African woman to score 160+ in a World Cup knockout match, cementing her legacy as one of the game’s premier openers.
Marizanne Kapp remains arguably the best all-rounder in the world. Her five-wicket haul in the 2025 semifinal saw her surpass Jhulan Goswami’s record for the most wickets in Women’s World Cup history, a testament to her longevity and skill.
England’s Match Winners
Nat Sciver-Brunt is the cornerstone of the England batting unit. Known for her “Nat-meg” shot and ability to perform under pressure, she has scored multiple centuries against South Africa across all three formats.
Sophie Ecclestone continues to be the world’s top-ranked spinner. Her ability to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs and her economical bowling rates make her the primary threat to the South African top order.
Practical Information for Fans
Following a South Africa vs England tour requires planning across multiple venues, whether the series is held in the UK or South Africa.
- Venues in South Africa: Matches are typically held at Newlands (Cape Town), Kingsmead (Durban), and the Mangaung Oval (Bloemfontein).
- Venues in England: Iconic grounds like Lord’s, The Oval, and Trent Bridge frequently host these high-profile fixtures.
- Ticket Prices: International women’s cricket tickets are very affordable, generally ranging from £15–£40 in the UK and R50–R150 in South Africa.
- What to Expect: Expect a high-energy atmosphere with family-friendly fan zones. In South Africa, afternoon storms can occur, so “rain delay” contingencies are common.
- Tips for Visitors: Always book tickets in advance for World Cup fixtures, as knockout games between these two teams often sell out within hours of the matchups being confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last South Africa vs England women’s match?
South Africa won the last match on October 29, 2025, by 125 runs in the World Cup Semifinal.
What is the highest individual score in this rivalry?
Laura Wolvaardt holds the record with her 169 scored in the 2025 ODI World Cup Semifinal in Guwahati.
Who is the highest wicket-taker in Women’s World Cup history?
South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp holds the record with 44 wickets, surpassing India’s Jhulan Goswami during the 2025 tournament.
Has South Africa ever won a Women’s Test against England?
No, South Africa has yet to win a Test match against England; of their 7 meetings, England has won 3 and 4 have ended in draws.
Where was the 2025 World Cup Semifinal played?
The match was played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, India.
Who is the current captain of the England Women’s team?
Heather Knight is the captain of the England women’s national cricket team.
What was England’s lowest score in the 2024-25 series?
In the 2024 Test match at Bloemfontein, South Africa was bowled out for 64 in their second innings, which was a record low for them against England.
How many times has South Africa reached a World Cup Final?
South Africa reached their first-ever ODI World Cup Final in 2025 after defeating England in the semifinal.
Who was the Player of the Match in the 2025 Semifinal?
Laura Wolvaardt was named Player of the Match for her magnificent 169.
Can I watch South Africa vs England highlights online?
Yes, highlights are available on the ICC official website, Sky Sports Cricket YouTube channel, and SuperSport’s digital platforms.
Which England player scored the fastest Test century?
Nat Sciver-Brunt scored the fastest-ever century in Women’s Tests off just 96 balls against South Africa in December 2024.
Final Thoughts
The South Africa Women vs England Women rivalry has evolved from a historically one-sided affair into one of the most unpredictable and high-stakes matchups in international cricket. While England long held the mantle of dominance, South Africa’s historic 125-run victory in the 2025 World Cup Semifinal—anchored by Laura Wolvaardt’s 169—symbolizes a definitive shift in the global hierarchy. This “revenge victory” for the Proteas erased years of heartbreak and set a new standard for their performance on the world stage.
As we move into 2026, the rivalry is set to reach a fever pitch with the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. With the Proteas looking to build on their status as World Cup finalists and England seeking redemption on home soil, every upcoming scorecard will be a critical chapter in this ongoing battle. The blend of England’s tactical depth and South Africa’s raw power ensures that this remains a “must-watch” fixture for cricket fans worldwide.
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