EN-W vs SA-W Match Preview – Two of the heavyweights in women’s cricket, England and South Africa, are set to lock horns in a crucial group stage encounter of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The match, scheduled to be held at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, October 3rd, promises a thrilling contest between two well-balanced and formidable sides.
England, led by the astute Nat Sciver-Brunt, will enter the tournament as one of the firm favourites. Their squad boasts a perfect blend of seasoned veterans like Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, and dynamic match-winners such as Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey. They will be keen to start their World Cup campaign on a positive note.
On the other hand, South Africa, captained by the elegant Laura Wolvaardt, have emerged as a consistent and powerful force in world cricket. With world-class players like Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, and the explosive Tazmin Brits in their ranks, the Proteas possess the firepower to challenge any team on their day. This opening match is vital for both teams as they look to build early momentum in the prestigious tournament.
EN-W vs SA-W Match Details
EN-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head in ODIs
EN-W vs SA-W Pitch Report: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
The pitch at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium is generally considered to be a good one for batting. The surface is typically firm and offers true bounce, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence. In the initial overs, the new ball might offer some assistance to the seamers, but as the innings progresses, it tends to flatten out.
Spinners could come into play in the middle overs, especially as the pitch wears down. Given that it’s an afternoon start, dew could be a factor for the team bowling second, potentially making it harder to grip the ball. The captain winning the toss might prefer to bat first, post a competitive total, and put the opposition under pressure.
EN-W vs SA-W Weather Report
The weather forecast for Guwahati on Friday, October 3rd, indicates a warm and humid day. There is a possibility of scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon, which could lead to interruptions. The temperature is expected to be around 31°C. Teams will need to be prepared for potential delays and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method coming into play. The high humidity will also test the fitness levels of the players.
EN-W vs SA-W Squads
England Women Squad: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones(w), Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Heather Knight, Sophia Dunkley, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell, Em Arlott, Sarah Glenn, Alice Capsey, Emma Lamb.
South Africa Women Squad: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkuleko Mlaba, Sune Luus, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso.
EN-W vs SA-W Probable Playing11
England Women: Tammy Beaumont, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Amy Jones (wk), Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba.
EN-W vs SA-W Match Prediction
This is a classic contest between England’s deep batting lineup and South Africa’s potent pace and all-round strength. England’s batting unit, featuring stalwarts like Sciver-Brunt, Knight, and Beaumont, runs deep and can post or chase imposing totals. Their bowling attack, led by the world’s premier spinner, Sophie Ecclestone, is both versatile and incisive.
South Africa’s hopes will rest heavily on their top order, particularly the in-form duo of Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, to provide a strong start. The all-round capabilities of Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk add crucial balance to their side. Their pace attack, featuring Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, can trouble any batting order.
While the match is expected to be a closely fought affair, England’s superior head-to-head record and slightly greater depth in both departments give them a marginal edge. However, if the South African top order fires and Kapp delivers one of her signature all-round performances, they are more than capable of pulling off a victory.
Prediction: England Women to win a tight contest.
