South Africa Women and England Women are ready to lock horns in the 4th match of the ongoing Women’s ODI World Cup, set to be played in Guwahati on Friday. This high-stakes encounter marks the tournament opener for both teams as they look forward to setting the tone for their respective campaigns.

Both South Africa and England are entering the tournament with high hopes and strong squads, aiming to start on a winning note. South Africa, captained by Laura Wolvaardt, comes into the World Cup with an experienced squad that has been in action over the last few months. They have been involved in high-octane matches, playing against India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. They played a tri-series with India and Sri Lanka, then they played Pakistan in Pakistan, riding a wave of confidence. They will be banking on their players like Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon to put England under pressure.

England, under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt, will be eager to reclaim their dominance in the tournament. In the lead-up to the ODI World Cup, England played two home series against West Indies and India. They won against West Indies but lost to India. Now, with seasoned campaigners like skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Heather Knight still in the mix, England have both experience and talent on their side as they eye a rollicking start.

Head-to-head

Matches – 46

ENG-W won – 35

SA-W won – 10

England probable XI: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Em Arlott, Lauren Bell

South Africa probable XI: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Annerie Dercksen, Chloe Tryon, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka