There was a time not too long ago when a place in the last four of a major ICC tournament was viewed as a significant milestone for the Proteas Women. Now, expectations have shifted. Reaching the knockout stages has become the standard — and today in Guwahati, South Africa contest their third consecutive ODI World Cup semi-final, once again facing familiar foes England.
Under captain Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas have also climbed over the semi-final hurdle in two successive T20 World Cups, including a memorable upset over England at Newlands two years ago that avenged painful ODI semi-final exits in Bristol (2017) and Christchurch (2022).
“We’ve had some success in ICC tournaments, so yeah, I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Wolvaardt said on the eve of the playoff. “Hopefully we’re able to learn from those semi-final victories that we’ve got and maybe stay a bit calmer under pressure.”
Risk, reward and redemption
This South African team arrived in the subcontinent with a bold cricketing blueprint — fearless, aggressive and unburdened by past anxieties. That approach delivered five wins in the group stages, showcasing their growing depth and maturity.
However, their campaign was bookended by heavy defeats, including a record low 69 all out against England in Guwahati — the same venue where they will contest today’s high-stakes clash. Wolvaardt has been vocal in her insistence that the performance was an anomaly.
“We are much, much better than 69 all out,” she stressed repeatedly. Today will determine whether that belief holds under semi-final pressure.
For the skipper, leading calmly will be vital.
“I think the calmest team out there will most likely win,” she said. “Fifty overs is a very long time… I think the team that rides those waves the best throughout the hundred-over game will come out on top.
“We have played some really good cricket throughout the tournament. It’s definitely not a skill thing. So most of our discussions have been about making sure we’re in the right mental state… trusting in our skills and what we’ve done before.”
Pressure cuts both ways
England enter the match as firm favourites — priced at 1.33 to progress, compared to the Proteas at 3.33 — but Wolvaardt believes the favourites tag could be a burden.
“I think they’re under a lot of pressure as well,” she said. “Everyone is in a semi-final. It’s whoever is able to handle that the best.”
One of the standout elements of South Africa’s campaign has been the spread of match-winners: five different Player of the Match recipients in seven games — a stark contrast to previous eras where the team leaned heavily on a few senior stars.
But on a day like this, those senior players will again be central to any historic breakthrough.
Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits must provide stability and scoring up front, while Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka will shoulder the responsibility of striking early with the ball — exposing what has occasionally looked a vulnerable English middle order.
“I think as a group we’re really just trying to focus on the positives and sticking to our gameplans,” Wolvaardt said. “If we just keep playing the way that we have, we’ll have a really good shot at winning.”
SQUADS FOR GUWAHATI SEMI-FINAL
Proteas:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase
England:
Nat Sciver-Brunt (C), Tammy Beaumont, Em Arlott, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Start: 11:30am (SA time)
TV: SuperSport