Table of Contents
The South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs England Women’s National Cricket Team rivalry is an important fixture in international women’s cricket. Both teams have featured world-class batters, experienced bowlers, and match-winning all-rounders across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
England have traditionally enjoyed the stronger overall record, but South Africa have continued to close the gap with impressive performances in major tournaments. Their 125-run victory over England in the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final was a particularly memorable moment. England responded in the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final, winning by 40 runs.
This guide covers the teams’ head-to-head record, recent match results, major tournament encounters, notable performances, and key statistics across formats.
South Africa Women vs England Women Head-to-Head Record
England Women have generally been the more successful side in this rivalry. Their experience in international competitions and depth across batting and bowling have helped them secure many victories. South Africa, however, have produced several outstanding performances, especially in recent ICC tournaments.
A historical database covering matches with ball-by-ball records from October 2011 through July 2026 lists 42 encounters across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
| Head-to-head statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches covered | 42 |
| England Women wins | 33 |
| South Africa Women wins | 7 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No results | 1 |
| Period covered | October 2011–July 2026 |
These figures reflect the coverage of that particular database rather than every match played between the teams throughout cricket history. Other statistical databases may report different totals because they include additional historical matches or use different competition coverage.
England’s advantage is particularly visible in bilateral series, but South Africa have shown they can challenge England when their top order performs well and their bowlers apply pressure early.
South Africa Women vs England Women Matches Timeline
The rivalry has developed through bilateral tours and major ICC tournaments. Recent years have featured one-sided results in some matches and dramatic reversals in others.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| June 27, 2022 | Test cricket | First Test at Taunton ended in a draw |
| December 15, 2024 | Test cricket | England won by 286 runs |
| December 4, 2024 | ODI series | South Africa won by 6 wickets |
| December 8, 2024 | ODI series | England won by 6 wickets |
| December 11, 2024 | ODI series | England won by 6 wickets under DLS |
| October 3, 2025 | Women’s Cricket World Cup | England won by 10 wickets |
| October 29, 2025 | Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final | South Africa won by 125 runs |
| July 2, 2026 | Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final | England won by 40 runs |
The results show that neither team has a permanent advantage in every format. England have won important bilateral matches and major tournament encounters, while South Africa have demonstrated their ability to produce dominant performances when the stakes are high.
South Africa Women vs England Women ODI Matches
One Day Internationals have played a major role in the rivalry. Both teams have enjoyed periods of success, and the 50-over format has produced several memorable performances.
In the historical database covering matches since October 2011, England lead the ODI head-to-head record by 15 wins to four across 19 matches. This reflects England’s strong record during the period covered by that source.
December 2024 ODI Series
South Africa hosted England for a three-match ODI series in December 2024.
First ODI — December 4, 2024
South Africa won by six wickets. England were dismissed for 186, while South Africa reached 189/4 to complete the chase. The result gave the hosts an encouraging start to the series.
Second ODI — December 8, 2024
England bounced back with a six-wicket victory. South Africa were dismissed for 135, and England chased the target, finishing on 137/4.
Third ODI — December 11, 2024
England won again, this time by six wickets under the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method. South Africa scored 233/8, while England reached 153/4 in a rain-affected match.
England therefore won the three-match series 2–1 after losing the opening game. Their comeback demonstrated the importance of consistency across a bilateral series.
The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup
The teams met twice during the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.
On October 3, England defeated South Africa by 10 wickets after dismissing them for just 69 runs. England completed the chase without losing a wicket, making it one of the most emphatic results in their recent ODI meetings.
The semi-final on October 29 produced a very different outcome. South Africa scored 319/7, powered by a superb 169 from captain Laura Wolvaardt. England were bowled out for 194, giving South Africa a 125-run victory and a place in the final.
The contrast between these two matches illustrates how dramatically a team’s performance can change between fixtures. England dominated the first encounter, but South Africa delivered a powerful response in the knockout match.
South Africa Women vs England Women T20 International Matches
T20 cricket has added another dimension to the rivalry. The shorter format places greater emphasis on power hitting, quick scoring, tactical bowling changes, and performances under pressure.
In the historical database covering matches with ball-by-ball records since October 2011, England lead the T20I record by 17 wins to three, with one match ending without a result across 21 listed encounters. Other databases may show different totals because their coverage differs.
The 2024 T20I Series
England toured South Africa in November 2024 for a three-match T20I series. England won all three matches.
| Date | Match result |
|---|---|
| November 24, 2024 | England won by 4 wickets |
| November 27, 2024 | England won by 36 runs |
| November 30, 2024 | England won by 9 wickets |
The series began with a close finish. South Africa scored 142/5, but England reached 143/6 to win by four wickets.
In the second match, England posted 204/4 and restricted South Africa to 168/6, securing a 36-run victory. The final match was more one-sided: South Africa were dismissed for 124, and England chased the target with nine wickets remaining.
England’s 3–0 series victory highlighted their strength in the T20 format, particularly their ability to build competitive totals and finish chases efficiently.
October 2024 T20 World Cup
The teams also met in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Sharjah. England won by seven wickets after restricting South Africa to 124/6 and reaching 125/3.
This victory was another example of England’s ability to control a T20 match through disciplined bowling and a composed chase.
July 2026 T20 World Cup Semi-Final
The teams’ most recent major T20I encounter came in the semi-final of the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at The Oval in London.
England batted first and scored 169/5 in 20 overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt led the innings with 75 from 47 balls, while Heather Knight contributed 58 from 47 balls.
South Africa struggled to match the required scoring rate and finished on 129/8. England won by 40 runs to advance to the final.
Sciver-Brunt’s aggressive innings was central to the result. Her ability to score quickly without losing control helped England establish a total that proved difficult to chase.
South Africa Women vs England Women Test Matches
Test cricket offers a different challenge from limited-overs matches. Batters must demonstrate patience and technical skill, while bowlers need to sustain pressure over long spells.
The teams have played Test cricket against each other on a limited number of occasions compared with their ODI and T20I meetings.
The 2022 Test Match
The Test at Taunton in June 2022 ended in a draw. The result reflected the different demands of the longest format, where weather, time, batting partnerships, and bowling endurance can influence the outcome.
The 2024 Test Match
England and South Africa met again in Bloemfontein in December 2024. England won by 286 runs in a commanding performance.
England scored 395/9 declared in their first innings and added 236/10 in the second innings. South Africa made 281 in their first innings but were dismissed for 64 in the second.
The large margin of victory showed England’s ability to apply sustained pressure across multiple innings. It was also an important result in a rivalry where the limited number of Test matches makes every encounter significant.
Memorable Matches Between South Africa Women and England Women
Several encounters stand out because of their margins, individual performances, or importance in major tournaments.
1. South Africa’s 125-Run World Cup Semi-Final Victory
South Africa’s win on October 29, 2025, was one of their most significant victories against England. Laura Wolvaardt’s 169 helped South Africa post 319/7, and the bowlers then dismissed England for 194.
The victory was especially important because it came in a knockout match. South Africa showed that they could recover from a heavy defeat earlier in the tournament and perform under pressure.
2. England’s 10-Wicket ODI Victory in 2025
Earlier in the same World Cup, England dismissed South Africa for 69 and chased the target without losing a wicket. Linsey Smith took three wickets for seven runs, helping England dominate the match.
The result demonstrated the importance of early wickets and the ability to finish a chase without unnecessary risk.
3. England’s 40-Run T20 World Cup Semi-Final Victory
In July 2026, England produced a strong batting performance before restricting South Africa to 129/8. Sciver-Brunt’s 75 was the standout contribution, and England’s victory sent them into the tournament final.
4. England’s 286-Run Test Victory in 2024
England’s dominant win in Bloemfontein demonstrated their strength in the longest format. Their large first-innings total and effective bowling in South Africa’s second innings proved decisive.
Together, these matches show the variety of results in the rivalry. A team can dominate one match and face a completely different challenge in the next.
Key Players in the South Africa Women vs England Women Rivalry
Both teams have featured players capable of changing a match with the bat or ball.
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt is one of South Africa’s most important batters. Her 169 against England in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final was a defining innings, combining composure with effective stroke play. She has also been a central figure in South Africa’s top order.
Nat Sciver-Brunt
Nat Sciver-Brunt is a major all-round contributor for England. Her 75 from 47 balls in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final helped England establish a competitive total. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her a valuable player in different conditions.
Heather Knight
Heather Knight has provided England with experience and batting stability. Her 58 in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final complemented Sciver-Brunt’s innings and helped England maintain momentum.
Marizanne Kapp
Marizanne Kapp is one of South Africa’s leading all-rounders. Her seam bowling, ability to contribute runs, and experience in international cricket make her an important part of the team in all three formats.
Sophie Ecclestone
Sophie Ecclestone has been an important bowler for England, particularly in limited-overs cricket. Her left-arm spin can restrict scoring and create opportunities for wickets during the middle overs.
Individual contributions change from series to series, but these players illustrate the level of skill and experience that makes the rivalry competitive.
South Africa Women vs England Women: Important Statistics
The most useful way to compare the teams is to examine their performance in each format rather than relying on a single overall figure.
| Category | Key takeaway |
|---|---|
| Overall historical record | England lead in the database covering matches since October 2011 |
| ODI cricket | England lead the cited 19-match record, 15 wins to four |
| T20I cricket | England lead the cited 21-match record, 17 wins to three, with one no result |
| Test cricket | England won the 2024 Test by 286 runs; the 2022 Test was drawn |
| South Africa’s major recent ODI win | 125-run victory in the 2025 World Cup semi-final |
| England’s latest major T20I win | 40-run victory in the 2026 World Cup semi-final |
| Laura Wolvaardt’s notable performance | 169 in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final |
| Nat Sciver-Brunt’s notable performance | 75 from 47 balls in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final |
These figures provide context, but statistics should always be interpreted alongside match conditions, venue, opposition, and tournament importance. A head-to-head record is useful for understanding the history of a rivalry, but it cannot determine the outcome of a future game.
Conclusion
The South Africa Women’s National Cricket Team vs England Women’s National Cricket Team matches have produced memorable contests across all three international formats. England have historically held the advantage, supported by their depth in batting and bowling and their experience in major tournaments.
South Africa have nevertheless demonstrated their ability to challenge England and secure important victories. Their 125-run win in the 2025 ODI World Cup semi-final was a major statement, while England’s 40-run victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup semi-final showed their ability to respond in a high-pressure setting.
From Test cricket’s demanding conditions to the fast pace of T20Is, this rivalry continues to offer compelling cricket. Recent results show that both teams have match-winners capable of producing outstanding performances, making their future encounters worth following.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which team has won more matches between South Africa Women and England Women?
England Women have historically won more matches. A database covering 42 encounters with ball-by-ball records from October 2011 through July 2026 lists 33 England victories and seven South Africa victories, alongside one draw and one no result. Other sources may report different totals because of differences in historical coverage.
2. Who won the South Africa Women vs England Women ODI World Cup semi-final in 2025?
South Africa Women won by 125 runs on October 29, 2025. South Africa scored 319/7, with Laura Wolvaardt making 169, before dismissing England for 194.
3. Who won the latest major T20 match between South Africa Women and England Women?
England Women won the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final by 40 runs on July 2, 2026. England scored 169/5, while South Africa finished on 129/8.
4. What was the result of the South Africa Women vs England Women Test in 2024?
England Women won the Test in Bloemfontein by 286 runs in December 2024. They declared at 395/9 in their first innings and scored 236 in their second innings before dismissing South Africa for 64 in the final innings.
5. Who scored 169 runs in a South Africa Women vs England Women match?
Laura Wolvaardt scored 169 for South Africa in the semi-final of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. Her innings helped South Africa reach 319/7 and win the match by 125 runs.
