Unbeaten England face a resurgent South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup at The Kennington Oval, London, on Thursday, 3 July 2025, with the winner advancing to Sunday's final at Lord's against six-time champions Australia. Australia booked their place in the final with a commanding eight-wicket win over the West Indies, chasing down 126 with 42 balls to spare.

England's Perfect Run

England enter the knockout stage with a flawless group-stage record, winning all five of their matches. Their batting firepower has been on full display, posting totals of 164, 186, and 219 across the tournament. The return of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt — cleared after a positive MRI scan confirmed significant improvement in her calf injury — gives England their strongest available XI for the first time in three matches, restoring both leadership and a quality seam-bowling option.

Tournament top run-scorer Danni Wyatt-Hodge has been in imperious form, accumulating 282 runs in five innings at an average of 94, including an unbeaten 89 against New Zealand at The Oval. She has already claimed three Player of the Match awards. Alice Capsey has provided aggressive middle-order firepower, while world No. 1 spinner Sophie Ecclestone has been relentless in the middle overs — returning figures of 3/22 against Ireland and 2/23 against the West Indies.

South Africa's Resurgence

South Africa arrive at the semi-final having bounced back strongly after an opening defeat to Australia. They have won four of their next five group games, with their standout moment coming against India, where all-rounder Marizanne Kapp delivered an extraordinary performance — an unbeaten 81 with the bat and figures of 2/27 with the ball.

South Africa's bowling attack — led by Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Ayabonga Khaka, and Nonkululeko Mlaba — has been their most consistent weapon throughout the tournament. Captain Laura Wolvaardt will be keen to make an impact after being dismissed off the first ball against Bangladesh in the final group game, while Annerie Dercksen's important knock of 45 in that match underlined the batting depth available to the Proteas.

Pitch and Conditions

The Oval surface has generally favoured the chasing side in this World Cup. Australia chased down the West Indies' total comfortably on the same pitch, and both England and South Africa recorded successful chases earlier in the tournament. Although the surface initially showed a slight green tinge, conditions have remained largely conducive to batting. With an evening start and dew likely to factor in later, both captains are expected to bowl first if they win the toss.

What's at Stake

England are chasing their first ICC Women's T20 World Cup title since 2009, while South Africa are bidding to reach another global final and upset one of the tournament's most formidable sides. This is the second semi-final, scheduled for 7:00 PM IST on Thursday, 3 July, at The Oval, London. The match will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and live-streamed on JioStar.

England squad: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Dani Gibson, Amy Jones, Freya Kemp, Heather Knight, Linsey Smith, Issy Wong, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

South Africa squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk.

With Australia already waiting at Lord's, only one more match stands between the remaining two teams and a shot at the title.