Welcome to IOL 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.
11.38PM: GOOD START!
Laura Wolvaardt got her team off to the perfect start with successive boundaries off Laura Bell’s first two balls of the innings.
The trademark Wolvaardt cover drive set the tone followed by an outside edge that flew to the third man boundary.
It will certainly help settle the nerves in the Proteas dug out. 9/0 after 1 over
TOSS:The Proteas Women have lost the toss and have been asked to bat first in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final encounter against England Women at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
The Proteas have made one change in the line-up for the semi-final, as they decided to lengthen the batting unit.
The experienced Proteas seamer Masabata Klaas missed out, and top-order batter Anneke Bosch has another opportunity to showcase her skills in the tournament.
Proteas Women’s team to face England
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.
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.
It’s a blockbuster showdown against England! 💥
The stage is set in Guwahati for what promises to be a thrilling semi-final today at 11:30am! 🏆
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.
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