Laura Wolvaardt returns to the top spot in the ICC Women's ODI batting rankings for the first time since the 2022 World Cup after putting on a fine performance in the ongoing three-match ODI series against England which is currently level at 1-1. Wolvaardt made steady contributions of 59* and 35 in the first and second ODI respectively to move up by two places in the batting chart. In doing so, she has challenged the dominance of Nat Sciver-Brunt at the top who has now dropped to the number three position. 

See also: SA-W vs ENG-W 3rd ODI, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Reflecting on the recent changes in the ICC Women's ODI Batting Rankings

While Laura and Sciver-Brunt manage to hold on to positions one & three respectively, Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu snuck through to claim the number two position in the batting chart. Further on, Perry has leapfrogged to the number four position after smashing a blistering century against India Women in the second ODI helping Australia Women clinch the series 2-0. 

India's Smriti Mandhana performed poorly in the ongoing tour to Australia with her average dropping well below 10. The Indian batter fell by one position in the batting rankings and is currently ranked fifth. Chloe Tryon was another South African player who made rapid advancements in the rankings, ascending eight positions to 17th position joining Ash Gardner of Australia following her score of 45 in the second ODI. 

How are things shaping up for the Laura Wolvaardt-led South African side ahead of the final ODI?

With the series level at 1-1, the stage is set for a cracking showdown at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom. South African Women were blown away in the T20I series and went down without putting on a fight. But this ODI series presents them with an opportunity to conclude the white-ball series on a winning note. Laura has been the pick of the batters in this ongoing ODI series averaging 94 across two innings. 

ENG-W vs SA-W Match Preview

We've had some exciting matches in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The ninth match of the tournament will pit England Women against South Africa Women. England Women beat Bangladesh Women in their initial match and will be confident. The South Africans have also had a successful start, defeating the West Indies Women. England Women have had a successful record against South Africa Women. They've won four of the last five games among the two teams. They've only lost once in their last ten games. The South Africans haven't had the same level of consistency, but the squad looked strong in their first game, and we anticipate a good game.  

ENG-W vs SA-W Match Details

England-W vs South Africa-W – 9th Match, Women's World Cup 2024

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Date & Time: 07th October 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

ENG-W vs SA-W Venue Stats

ENG-W vs SA-W Pitch Report

The pitch is small, and the outfield is extremely fast. There isn't much for bowlers to work with, and both quick bowlers and spinners have struggled on this track.

ENG-W vs SA-W Weather Report

It is going to be a warm evening, and we expect a batting-friendly wicket where fast bowlers will struggle. 

ENG-W vs SA-W Last Five Matches

ENG-W vs SA-W Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Four months without pay; Pakistan's players await salaries ahead of World Cup

ENG-W vs SA-W Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa-W Probable Playing XIs

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

England-W Probable Playing XIs

Heather Knight (c), Maia Bouchier, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Alice Capsey, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Amy Jones (wk), Danielle Gibson, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlotte Dean, Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith

Topmost Picks for ENG-W vs SA-W Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – England-W

• Danni Wyatt-Hodge – She was adjudged Player of the Match for her 41 from 40 balls.
• Nat Sciver-Brunt – She bowls with good pace and accuracy and recently took a couple of key wickets in her Women's victory over Pakistan Women.

Top Picks – South Africa-W

• Chloe Tryon –  She is a full-time spinner who picked up 3 wickets in the previous match and will once again play an important role
• Nonkululeko Mlaba – She picked 4 wickets in the last game and will look to deliver a strong performance in the middle overs.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for ENG-W vs SA-W Dream11 Team:

Amy Jones, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Laura Wolvaardt(C), Tazmin Brits, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sophie Ecclestone(VC), Sarah Glenn, Nonkululeko Mlaba

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for ENG-W vs SA-W Dream11 Team:

Amy Jones, Danielle Wyatt-Hodge, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Maia Bouchier, Nat Sciver-Brunt(VC), Marizanne Kapp(C), Chloe Tryon, Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, Nonkululeko Mlaba

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Deepti Sharma, Smriti Mandhana

Vice-captain – Omaima Sohail, Fatima Sana

Wicketkeeper – Muneeba Ali

ENG-W vs SA-W Probable Winners:

South Africa Women had a poor record against England, and they must punch above their weight to win this game. The team will need a strong performance from its bowling attack because they are up against a good side. England has had a good run over the last year and has shown consistency. Based on their current form, they will start as favorites in this game. Considering the team combination, England-W is expected to win this match.

A heavyweight clash between two sides who were on the wrong side of a pair of upsets awaits. England, the champions in both white-ball formats are in a state of doubt. They were in a similar situation in 2019 when Jonny Bairstow led the way with some aggressive performances, and they will be hoping for another set of performances full of aggression.

South Africa looked good for a good part until their frailties went on display against the Netherlands. They’ve had their World Cup heartbreaks but their initial performances are heartwarming to go by. The upcoming encounter promises to be one of the most interesting tussles and it is occuring at an iconic venue, known to give some thrilling encounters.

The South Africans have performed as a unit with their batting coming good, and the bowling stepping up as well, barring the game against Netherlands. England are capable of doing the same but have not struck the right chord collectively yet. Chris Woakes and Sam Curran have been underwhelming, reducing the effect of Mark Wood and Adil Rashid. On the bright side, Ben Stokes looks like he is coming back and that could play a strong factor in their World Cup revival.

ENG vs SA Match Details

Date: October 21st, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

ENG vs SA Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

ENG vs SA Pitch Report

A fresh batting track, small boundaries and two heavyweight batting units promise a run-fest. These two were involved in a 460 run game during the 2016 T20 World Cup as well. Red soil tracks though tend to be a little tricky in the the longer format, breaking up sooner. Spin could play a role if dew doesn’t come in making batting first a safer option. Scoreboard pressure is another aspect which has made batting first a better way to go.

ENG vs SA Head-to-Head

ENG vs SA Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, David Miller, Henrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee/ Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

ENG Playing XI

Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook/Liam Livingstone, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley

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ENG vs SA Key Players

Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes returns. His presence last time around was pretty uplifting and as one of the leaders in the side, and a player who could influence proceedings, a lot rests on him. He was the one to come up with superhuman performances four years ago, and England will need him to come up with such performances once more with their tournament on the line.

Quinton De Kock

Quinton De Kock has been in red-hot form after a tough lead-up to the tournament. Two centuries in consecutive games shows that he is looking to go out how he came in, and the aggression showed at the top has been commendable so far.

ENG vs SA Match Tips

Both sides come in with a lot of firepower and are tough to beat on their day. South Africa’s form has been a touch better, barring the last game. They have punched above their weight giving them a slight edge unless England come out playing the way they did four years ago.

Match Prediction: South Africa Will Win Today’s Match