Top spot today, World Cup tomorrow?

Australia and South Africa may have already sealed their semi-final spots, but when the two best sides of this ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup clash, there’s still plenty at stake.

History adds weight to the contest. In the last two editions (2017 and 2022) of the tournament, both featuring eight teams and played in a round-robin format, the team that topped the league stage went on to lift the trophy. Going by that trend, finishing first could prove crucial, not just for pride but for carrying momentum into the knockouts.

As it stands, Australia sit atop the points table, with South Africa hot on their heels. The winner of this high-voltage encounter will finish the league stage as table toppers.

The seven-time champions and defending title-holders, Australia have been simply unstoppable this year. Just like in 2022, when they went unbeaten all tournament, the Aussies haven’t taken their foot off the pedal in 2025. Their dominance was on full display against four-time world champions England, where despite missing captain Alyssa Healy, they crushed Nat Sciver-Brunt’s side under the calm leadership of Tahlia McGrath.

Their campaign opener against Trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand was another testament to their depth. From a precarious 128/5, Ashleigh Gardner’s scintillating century under pressure propelled them to 326 and victory. That’s been Australia’s hallmark: no dependence on one player, just a squad brimming with match-winners, world-class all-rounders, and enviable batting depth. Beating them, as the saying goes, happens only once in a blue moon.

If any team looks capable of challenging Australia’s supremacy, it’s South Africa. After a crushing 10-wicket loss to England in their opening game, Laura Wolvaardt and her team roared back with five consecutive wins. They’ve shown resilience, hunger, and the knack of finding heroes in every match — from the experience of Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, and Chloe Tryon to the youthful exuberance of Nadine de Klerk and skipper Wolvaardt herself.

Yet, the numbers tell a different story. South Africa have beaten Australia only once, in 2024, when Kapp’s all-round brilliance stunned the hosts Down Under.

Can South Africa script history and topple Australia for the first time in a World Cup? Or will the defending champions extend their ruthless run and march into the semi-finals as undisputed table-toppers?

Either way, this top-of-the-table clash promises to be more than just a formality, it’s a battle for supremacy, belief, and momentum heading into the business end of the tournament.

Head-to-Head

Overall: Australia – 16, South Africa – 1

At World Cups: Australia – 8, South Africa – 0

ICC ODI Rankings: Australia – 1, South Africa – 4

Match details

Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar