The 9th match in the ICC T-20 Women's World Cup is the thrilling clash between the English women and the Protes. The Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host the match between England and South Africa. 

Both England and South Africa are playing thir second match in the tournament, both coming after a win.

Match Details

Date: Saturday, October 7
Time: 6:00 PM Local Time (7:30 PM IST)
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE
Broadcast: Star Network
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar

England vs South Africa: Head-to-head stats in Women's T20Is

England Women has faced the proteas at least 22 times, winning 19 of those. South Africa won only three times.

In the T-20 Women World Cup

As far as the records are concerned, England women lead the race by 3-1 to the proteas. 

In the last 5 occasions, England won 4 of those, with South Africa winning the latest one in February, that too in the 2023 ICC Women's T20 World Cup Semifinal.

Team News & Key Players

England has been consistent throughout the tournament. Captain Heather Knight and all-rounder Nat Sciver Brunt have been crucial for the team. The England Bowling attack, however, had been impressive, having Sophie Ecclestone as the leader of the bowling unit.

Wolvaardt deserves mention from SA

On the contrary, South Africa has its momentum as its biggest weapon. They have won the last match against the West Indies in the T20 Women's World Cup 2024.

Laura Wolvaardt herself, playing her first tournament as the captain, has been impressive throughout. She scored a steady half century against the West Indies and was the top scorer in both the warm-up matches against India and New Zealand.

The other name that needs mention in the batting circuit is Tanzim Brits, who also scored a 50 alongside Laura against WI.

Amongst the bowlers, Nonkululeko Mlaba will have eyes on her. Last day, she took a fifer, playing a pivotal role in the win. Other names are Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka. 

The good news in both camps is that there is no injury to any players.

Pitch & Conditions

The Sharjah Pitch is normally a paradise for the batters., the shorter boundaries coming in to help the batters. However, the spinners are expected to get help in the middle overs.

The weather is expected to be normal with a clear sky, making it the perfect condition to play cricket.

Possible Line-Ups:

ENG-W: 
1. Danni Wyatt
2. Sophia Dunkley
3. Heather Knight (C)
4. Nat Sciver-Brunt
5. Amy Jones (WK)
6. Sarah Glenn
7. Alice Capsey
8. Sophie Ecclestone
9. Maia Bouchier
10. Bess Heath
11. Freya Kemp

SA-W:
1. Laura Wolvaardt (C)
2. Tazmin Brits
3. Sune Luus
4. Chloe Tryon
5. Marizanne Kapp
6. Nadine de Klerk
7. Anneke Bosch
8. Seshnie Naidu
9. Ayabonga Khaka
10. Nonkululeko Mlaba
11.Ayanda Hlubi

Read also: ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of every team

Win Predictions

South Africa needs to take early wickets to ease their way towards victory. Let's not forget their win in the semi-final last time against England!

However, England looks more balanced in both departments. Also, the stats favour the English as the winner today.

But as experts say, nothing is predictable unless the last ball is being played.

England Women vs South Africa Women: Fantasy Team Predictions

Laura Wolvaardt (C), Danni Wyatt, Heather Knight (VC), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Amy Jones (WK), Sophie Ecclestone, Nadine de Klerk, Ayabonga Khaka, Sarah Glenn.

The World Test Championship 2023-25 Final isn't just another game for the Proteas; it is an opportunity for them to get rid of the "chokers" label that the team has long carried from past failures in big tournaments.

Can South Africa escape the "chokers" tag in the WTC Final against Australia? Let's check out the odds and what the numbers say about their fight for redemption.

The weight of the tag: Why "chokers"?

South Africa carries a unique burden of the "chokers" tag, which is not merely a casual insult, but a deep-seated reputation earned through a series of painful failures. Despite having world-class talent and often dominating in the group stages, they have a history of stumbling when the stakes are highest.

Here's some of the most significant losses in crucial stages, which originated the "chokers" tag:

1. 1992 World Cup Semi-final vs. England

South Africa, needing 22 runs off 13 balls, faced a controversial rain rule that dramatically revised their target to an impossible 22 runs off just one ball.

While not a "choke" in the traditional sense, but this marked their first major semi-final heartbreak.

2. 1999 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia

South Africa needed just 1 run to win off 4 balls, while their explosive batsman Lance Klusener was on strike. However, a horrible mix-up led to the run-out of Allan Donald and the match ended in a tie.

Australia made it to the finals eventually for having better net run rate.

3. 2003 World Cup group stage exit vs. Sri Lanka

SA miscalculated the Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) target which led to their elimination from the tournament. Mark Boucher, believing they have reached the par score to win, blocked the last ball of an over, after which heavy rain stopped the game.

They were, in fact, just 1 run short of the D/L par score, resulting in a tie as well as their elimination.

Read Also: Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

4. 2011 World Cup Quarter-final vs. New Zealand

They collapsed from 108/2 while chasing 222 runs and lost 8 wickets for 64 runs in a shocking defeat. They were bowled out for 172 runs.

5. 2015 World Cup Semi-final vs. New Zealand

Dropped crucial catches while defending in the second half and was was unable to play under pressure in the final overs. Everything let to a dramatic last-ball loss.

6. 2022 T20 World Cup Super 12 stage vs. Netherlands

South Africa needed a win to secure a semi-final spot in the tournament. Despite being strong favourites, they failed to chase a decent target, suffering a 13-run defeat.

7. 2023 World Cup Semi-final vs. Australia

South Africa found themselves in a familiar pattern of faltering under pressure while defending 212 runs. Despite great efforts, they could not make it and lost by 3 wickets.

8. 2024 T20 World Cup Final vs. India

While they did reach the finals after breaking their semi-final curse, they ultimately lost to India by 7 runs. Despite being in a good position at one stage, they could not maintain the required run rate in the final overs due to right bowling from Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya.

Read Also: ICC increase prize money for WTC 2023-25: Here is how much the teams would get

South Africa vs Australia Head-to-Head in tests: What are the odds?

Australia has the upper hand in terms of past records when the two sides met. Here's what the head-to-head stats in test cricket looks like:

Read Also: WTC Final: Australia and South Africa announce their squads

Mark Boucher's perspective ahead of WTC Final:

As a former South African wicket-keeper batsman and head coach, Mark Boucher understands the immense pressure associated with their cricket history. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, he provided an insight about the mindset and the game.

Here's what he said:

"We're playing for a trophy, so I guess a lot of people are saying no [we can't win] but I think it's a different feel in Test match cricket. It's played over a longer period of time and you've just got to win big moments in the game as well. Yes, there will be that tag [chokers] that gets thrown our way until we win a trophy. You're not going to get rid of the tag. Is it deserving on these youngsters coming through? No, it's almost like they're carrying the burden of what happened in previous years, which is always going to be tough on them but they're the ones in control of their futures at the moment."

He also added: "If we win it, I think then that could be the turnaround for Test cricket in our country."

Read Also: Most runs in WTC 2023-25 | Updated

WTC 2023-25 Final: What this win would mean for South Africa

For South Africa, winning the WTC final would be breaking free of the "chokers" tag that has haunted them for decades. This win would also live upto the nation's expectations, inspire future generations, and earn them global respect as true champions.

The England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday announced a 14-member squad for the first Test of the five-match series against India. The ENG vs IND five-match Test series is starting from June 20. The first match will be played at Headingley on June 20, 2025.

Also Read: Youngest Cricketers to lead India in Tests

Overton replaces Atkinson

Fast bowling all-rounder Jamie Overton has returned. He has been included in the team in place of injured Gus Atkinson. Jamie has returned after the match against New Zealand in June 2022.

Atkinson was unavailable for selection due to a right hamstring injury suffered during the Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

Carse, Woakes included in the squad

Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Jacob Bethell and Chris Woakes have also been named in the squad, who last played during the New Zealand Test tour in December. The India A side are already in the United Kingdom, playing warm-up games against England Lions.

Woakes, known for his effectiveness in home conditions, especially at Lord’s, last featured prominently in 2018 against India, where he claimed four wickets and smashed an unbeaten 137.

Young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who starred with nine wickets against Zimbabwe, retains his spot as the lone specialist spinner. IPL winner Jacob Bethell and seamer Sam Cook, both of whom impressed recently, have also earned call-ups.

Ben Stokes to lead the team

England will field a significantly altered team compared to the last time they faced India in early 2024. James Anderson has since retired, while Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes and Ollie Robinson are the other notable absentees from the squad.

Ben Stokes, who returned from a hamstring injury in that Zimbabwe Test, will lead England against India in a five-match series that marks the start of both teams’ campaigns in the new ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Also Read: Most runs vs England in England for India in tests

ENG vs IND Test Series Schedule

• 20-24 June 2025 - 1st Test, Headingley
• 2-6 July 2025 - 2nd Test, Edgbaston
• 10-14 July 2025 - Third Test, Lord's
• 23-27 July 2025 - Fourth Test, Emirates Old Trafford
• 31 July-4 August 2025 - Fifth Test, Kia Oval

ENG vs IND | England full squad

Ben Stokes (c), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes.

India A started their England tour on a great note with a solid Day 1 display against the England Lions in Canterbury. Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A.

England Lions captain James Rew won the toss and decided to bowl first on a greenish pitch at the St. Lawrence Ground. 

India A lost captain Abhimanyu Easwaran early on 8 while Yashasvi Jaiswal went back to the dressing room after adding 24. 

When it looked like that, Rew took the right decision of bowling first, Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair put up a 181-run partnership for the third wicket to give India A the advantage after Day 1’s play. 

Karun Nair, who last played a test match in 2017, continued his great form and completed his fifty in 85 balls. 

Soon, Sarfraz Khan, who was dropped from the test squad, completed his fifty in 84 balls as well. When both batters were looking to get to the hundred mark first, Sarfraz was caught down the leg side on 92 off 119 balls and missed his ton.

Sarfaraz Khan gets dismissed 8 short of a well-deserved hundred.

Sarfaraz was looking good but was eventually caught down the leg side on 92.

Karun Nair is batting on 97!

India A 233/3 in the first inning!#ENGAvINDA #SarfarazKhan pic.twitter.com/pY7pCRmwZP

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) May 30, 2025

Nair, who was dropped on 89 off Ajeet Singh Dale, completed his 24th first-class ton off 155 balls.

Post that, incoming batter Dhruv Jurel and Nair started smashing the bowlers and changed their gears. Nair reached the landmark of 150 in 205 balls while Jurel reached his fifty in just 68 balls.

At the end of Day 1 of the 4-day unofficial test match, Jurel remained unbeaten on 82 off 104 balls while Nair remained unbeaten on 186 from 246 balls, with India A finishing with 409/3. 

The ICC has officially announced that the Final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 will be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on 5th July. The news was shared during a special launch event at Lord’s on 1st May.

Alongside this major reveal, it was confirmed that the matches will also be played at other popular venues across England, including Edgbaston, the Hampshire Bowl, Headingley, Old Trafford, The Oval, and the Bristol County Ground.

The tournament is set to kick off on 12th June and will run for 24 days, featuring a total of 33 matches leading up to the highly anticipated final at Lord’s. The complete match schedule is expected to be released soon.

Featuring a record 12 teams, the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be the biggest edition in the tournament’s history. With two more teams than the previous edition, fans can expect fierce competition as the world’s top sides battle it out for the title.

Read Also | Bengal Women's Cricket Exclusive: Two out of two finals, record chase against Haryana, Jhulan Goswami, WPL and more

Qualified Teams for the Women's T20 World Cup 2026

Four additional teams will join them through the Qualifier scheduled next year.

The 12 teams will be split into two groups of six for the group stage, followed by the knockout rounds and finals.

Official Statement

ICC Chairman Jay Shah opened up about the tournament, saying, "The confirmation of venues represents a defining moment as we build towards the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026"

"The sell-out Women’s Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s in 2017 remains a landmark in the rise of the women’s game, and I cannot think of a more fitting stage for the final."

"As we turn our focus to preparing for the tournament, we are excited by the promise of thrilling T20 action that will not only captivate fans here but also serve as a showcase for cricket’s return on the Olympic stage in Los Angeles 2028."

Legacy

Moving on from the most recent edition, hosted by Bangladesh in the UAE in 2024, saw New Zealand claim their first-ever title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final.

The 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup will mark the milestone 10th edition of the tournament, which began in 2009.

Harry Brook was recently named England's white-ball captain, succeeding Jos Buttler, who stepped down in February 2025 following a disappointing Champions Trophy campaign. Brook now has become the 38th ODI captain for England and 15th to be named as T20I captain of the country as well. 

Ray Illingworth was the first-ever ODI and white-ball captain of England, who was also part of the first-ever men's One-day cricket match in 1971. Mike Denness and Tony Greig followed him on the list.

Michael Vaughan was the first T20I captain of England as he led the team in the shortest format of the game for the first time in 2005. Stuart Broad and Craig Kieswetter are a few of the players who captained the team only in T20Is. In the meantime, Michael Vaughan, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, and Jos Buttler led them in both ODIs and T20Is. 

Read Also | Highest Totals in ODI cricket history