Did England Choose to Bowl First Against South Africa in the Women's WC?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating semi-final of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, England wins the toss and opts to bowl first against South Africa. With key players like Anneke Bosch joining the fray, the stakes are high as the teams vie for a spot in the final in Navi Mumbai on November 2. Who will emerge victorious?
Key Takeaways
- England opts to bowl first after winning the toss.
- Anneke Bosch joins South Africa's squad.
- Nat Sciver-Brunt emphasizes early pressure on South African batters.
- The surface in Mumbai is expected to be favorable for the final.
- Both teams are keen on securing a spot in the final.
Guwahati, Oct 29 (NationPress) In a thrilling turn of events, Anneke Bosch has been included in South Africa's squad as England won the toss and opted to bowl first during the inaugural semi-final of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at the ACA Stadium on Wednesday. The victor of this matchup will secure a place in the final scheduled for Navi Mumbai on November 2.
Following the toss, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt confirmed that left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who experienced a minor injury near her collarbone in their eight-wicket triumph over New Zealand in Visakhapatnam, is set to feature in the semi-final.
“I believe there’s no significant issue. She’ll (Ecclestone) push through anything. She’s one of those players who dislikes being sidelined — she’ll be eager to take the field. It’s essential to trust the process and everything we’ve accomplished to reach this point. We are aware of our capabilities,” commented Nat.
She also emphasized the importance of applying pressure early on the South African batters. “I think it creates pressure on them, particularly with the bat, and hopefully, it will be easier for the spinners to play later. The conditions here are quite different from the pitches we've encountered earlier. The Mumbai pitch is rather unique. It has proven interesting throughout the tournament, but I believe the surface is excellent for the final,” she added.
The last encounter between these two teams in the tournament saw England’s spin bowling trio of Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean collectively take seven wickets to dismiss South Africa for a mere 69 runs, resulting in a ten-wicket win, coincidentally, in Guwahati.
On the other hand, Anneke replaces Masabata Klaas in the playing eleven, indicating that South Africa is adding an extra batter to their lineup. “We might have opted to bowl as well. However, having runs on the board during a semi-final can be advantageous, so I'm not too dissatisfied with the decision,” she noted.
“It just felt necessary to have an extra batter in the last few games. It would have been beneficial to have someone to bat with for a bit longer. Anneke has been fantastic for us, and we still retain ample bowling options with Sune and Dercksen able to bowl as well. We are hoping for more runs today, but ultimately, winning is our main objective,” she concluded.
Playing XIs
England: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, and Lauren Bell
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, and Nonkululeko Mlaba
–IANS
nr/bc
Point of View
We stand committed to delivering unbiased and factual reporting. The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa is a significant event, showcasing top-tier talent and the competitive spirit of women's cricket. Our coverage remains neutral, focusing on the game and its implications for both teams.
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the Women's WC semi-final?
England won the toss and chose to bowl first against South Africa.
Where is the semi-final taking place?
The semi-final is being held at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
What is at stake in this match?
The winner of this match will advance to the final in Navi Mumbai on November 2.
Who are the key players to watch?
Key players include Nat Sciver-Brunt for England and Anneke Bosch for South Africa.
When is the final of the Women's ODI World Cup?
The final will take place on November 2 in Navi Mumbai.
