Guwahati, Oct 2 (UNI) The ICC Women’s World Cup makes its next stop in Guwahati, where England Women lock horns with South Africa Women in Match No. 4 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium tomorrow.
With both sides beginning their campaigns, the clash is expected to be a high-stakes contest brimming with energy, intent and early tournament momentum.
England, led by the experienced Nat Sciver-Brunt, walk in as firm favourites. The statistics alone underline their dominance: 35 wins out of 46 meetings against South Africa. The English team has won their last two encounters against the Proteas and enter this fixture with confidence, despite a narrow 13-run loss to India in their last outing.
England batting has the depth to challenge any attack, with Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb and Sophia Dunkley expected to provide a solid platform, while Sciver-Brunt herself remains the pivot in the middle order. In the bowling department, Sophie Ecclestone will spearhead the spin attack, with her consistency and guile likely to be decisive in the middle overs.
However, the South Africans are far from pushovers. Under the leadership of Laura Wolvaardt, they carry a mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned campaigners. Wolvaardt herself is their batting mainstay and will be counted upon to anchor the innings. In Marizanne Kapp, they possess one of the finest all-rounders in the women’s game, while the power-hitting ability of Chloe Tryon could prove to be the X-factor.
South Africa arrive on the back of a tight win over Pakistan, and though their record against England tilts heavily against them, their recent form with four consecutive wins prior to that will give them confidence.
The Barsapara pitch has traditionally offered plenty for batswomen. With its even bounce and carry, strokemakers from both sides will relish the conditions in the early overs. Fast bowlers could extract some movement with the new ball, but as the innings wears on, spinners are expected to have a role. Overall, runs are likely to flow, setting the stage for an entertaining battle.
The contest is scheduled for a 3 PM IST start, and the organisers are expecting a healthy turnout, with Guwahati fans known for their passionate support. For both England and South Africa, this game is more than just about two points — it is about stamping authority at the outset of a long and demanding tournament.
Probable XIs:
England Women – Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Emma Lamb, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Filer, Lauren Bell.
South Africa Women – Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso (wk), Masabata Klaas, Tumi Sekhukhune.
