The Proteas Women are preparing for yet another high-stakes showdown with England when the teams meet in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday.
The Proteas Women are preparing for yet another high-stakes showdown with England when the teams meet in the ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday.
England have dominated this rivalry in recent 50-over World Cups, knocking South Africa out at the semi-final stage in Bristol in 2017 and Christchurch in 2022. But the Proteas will draw confidence from their T20 World Cup victory over the same opponents at Newlands in 2023.
“It’s funny enough; we keep meeting England in the semi-finals, whether it’s the ODI or the T20,” opener Tazmin Brits said during a SuperSport virtual media round table. “We’re pretty used to seeing them in the semi-finals.”
Brits, who did not feature in the 2017 and 2022 defeats, said past disappointment will not weigh her down — though she acknowledged England’s dominance in their last ODI meeting, when the Proteas were dismissed for just 69. “It’s a rematch of that, so we definitely want to take them down,” she said.
South Africa’s top order will again be under scrutiny, with Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt crucial to setting the tone in the Powerplay. Despite being one of the most productive partnerships in ODI cricket since 2023, the pair have managed only one major stand at this tournament — 125 against Pakistan.
Brits, who struck three consecutive centuries before the World Cup, has struggled for runs with three ducks in seven innings. But she remains upbeat: “Cricket is a funny game. There’s a lot of ups and downs … I’m trying to be a bit easier on myself and hold space for that.”
England face their own concerns around the fitness of world No.1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who bowled only four deliveries against New Zealand due to a shoulder injury.
With a place in the final on the line — and a chance to rewrite a painful chapter — the Proteas are hoping this semi-final marks the moment the rivalry finally turns in their favour.