Cricket
Proteas determined to bounce back against England─── MORGAN PIEK 08:55 Mon, 27 Oct 2025
The Proteas are confident of securing their spot in the final of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka when they face England on Wednesday.
South Africa and England will battle it out in the semi-finals in Guwahati – and a win for the Proteas will see them reach a World Cup final for the third straight time, after advancing to the finals of the last two T20 World Cups in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
The Proteas did suffer a setback on Saturday when they lost by seven wickets to the defending champions, Australia, in their final group match.
This defeat in Indore was the Proteas’ second of the World Cup after losing to England in Guwahati by ten wickets in their opening game.
Suné Luus being bowled out in the 10-wicket defeat to England. Photo: Cricinfo
Since then, the Proteas regrouped and enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run, their best yet at a World Cup, and did enough to make the last four of the competition.
Despite the defeat to the Aussies, Proteas wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta said they have it in them to bounce back – and they’ve proven it before.
“To lose like that, it does hurt – if it doesn’t hurt, it doesn’t mean anything,” said Jafta.
“I think for us, and I’ve said it before, it’s just to reflect. These are great opportunities to actually get better.
“We’re always chasing that one percent as a team, and for us, it’s literally going out there. We’re facing England, and we obviously played them in the first game – it didn’t go the way we wanted, but going into that match, we know exactly what to do.
“We’ve prepped, and it’s not that one game like this makes us a bad squad. It’s about coming together – and the culture has been brilliant.
Tumi Sekhukhune and Sinalo Jafta. Photo: Cricinfo
“So, we’ve got that bounce-back ability.”
Jafta added that their next game is a knockout match, so it’s do-or-die, and they need no extra motivation heading into the semi-final.
“There’s nothing better than a playoff game.
“I think for us as a team, it’s about assessing the conditions. We’ve been to Guwahati before, and it’s about going out there and expressing ourselves.
Sinalo Jafta and the Proteas celebrating the wicket of Ellyse Perry. Photo: Cricinfo
“We’ve seen positive cricket in this team – we’ve got game-winners, and anyone on any given day can raise their hand. Going up against England, it’s a good one to have.”
Wednesday’s semi-final between the Proteas and England in Guwahati is scheduled to get underway at 11:30.
