Australia Women and South Africa Women will face off in the 26th match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Indore. It is the final league match for both teams. Both sides have already qualified for the semi-finals, but today’s game will decide who enters the next stage with full confidence.
The reigning champions, Australia, are aiming for their record eighth World Cup title. They remain unbeaten in this edition. Alyssa Healy’s absence in their previous game against England raised some doubts, but the Australians comfortably beat their biggest rivals by six wickets.
Australia’s Strength
Australia’s top order faced challenges with Healy’s replacement, Georgia Voll, scoring just six runs. Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney were also subdued. However, a brilliant 184-run partnership between Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner kept Australia’s unbeaten streak intact.
Tahlia McGrath may captain the side against South Africa, despite Alyssa Healy being present in the nets at Holkar earlier today. The team management has not confirmed Healy’s inclusion for Saturday’s game.
South Africa’s Ambition
South Africa are aiming for their first-ever Women’s World Cup final. They will try to replicate their batting performance from the last game against Pakistan.
Skipper Laura Woolvaardt, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk all scored big as South Africa posted a 150-run victory. They will look to unsettle Australia before the semi-finals, although history favors the seven-time champions.
Head to Head Record
Australia Women and South Africa Women will meet for the 19th time in their next match. Australia have won 16 games, while South Africa have managed just one victory. One match between them was called off.
The Aussies clearly have the upper hand in this head-to-head, and they will aim to continue their dominance.
Pitch Report
The Indore pitch is flat and ideal for batting. The ball comes nicely onto the bat, making stroke play easier for batters. So far, four matches have been played at this venue, and the average first-innings score has been between 255 and 265. This is higher than most other World Cup venues Australia will play their third match at Holkar. They posted 326 against New Zealand and chased 240+ comfortably against England. South Africa also chased 232 against New Zealand at Holkar. Tomorrow will be their second game at this venue.
Given these conditions, fans can expect another high-scoring game when Australia and South Africa face off.
Weather Forecast
Overcast skies are expected, with 70% cloud cover and a 55% chance of rain. There is also a possibility of afternoon thunderstorms. The temperature will hover around 29°C.
Squads
Australia Women: Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney(w), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath(c), Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt, Heather Graham, Georgia Wareham, Darcie Brown
South Africa Women: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Anneke Bosch, Tumi Sekhukhune, Sinalo Jafta