ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Bowlers to Watch in the 4th Match of ENG-W vs SA-W

Big tournaments are often built around big moments, and in the game of cricket, those moments often belong to the bowlers who rewrite the games. In the inaugural ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, we’ve already witnessed the significance of quality spin, and the 4th match between England Women and South Africa Women also holds more promise. Each competing against one another, possessing quality spinners; spinners who not only contain runs but also tear batting orders apart. With Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, and Nonkululeko Mlaba all set to play a part, this encounter has a spin masterclass written all over it. Here is why these three spinners will lock you into your screens.

Sophie Ecclestone – ENG

If consistency were a person, it would look like Sophie Ecclestone running in to bowl the ball. She has taken 14 wickets in 7 games at an economy of 4. She is England’s and quite possibly one of the world’s most dangerous bowlers. The most dangerous part of her bowling is not her speed nor spin- it is her ability to keep batters off balance: changing lengths, changing speeds, and consistently bowling in that line just outside the off stump. For the South African top order, dealing with Ecclestone will be like walking a tightrope. One slip, and it’s game over.

Linsey Smith – ENG

While Ecclestone takes most of the limelight, Linsey Smith has quietly established herself as England’s secret weapon. With 10 wickets in 4 matches at an unbelievable strike rate of 21, she has proven that long spells have no relevance to her ensuing impact. The left-arm angle that Smith brings is concerning for most right-hand batsmen; it either forces them into mistakes or leads them to within an inch of failure. Her hitting ability and capability to bowl in tandem are also a killer. The batters think they can attack Smith after getting on Ecclestone, but tend to find out the hard way and have a shorter walk back than they envisaged. 

Nonkululeko Mlaba – SA

While England has two options of spinners, South Africa has their very own star. Nonkululeko Mlaba has taken 15 wickets with an economy rate of less than 5 runs (4.88) in 8 matches. When the situation calls for it, Mlaba comes to the rescue for South Africa, demolishing foundational partnerships at a crucial moment for the team. She creates the flights, provoking batters of batters, just stupidity attacking to make silly shots. She lands in liquid ball zones, never maintaining easy runs. With an England lock with plenty of help, Mlaba will make a big difference. She has control in the middle and leaking opportunities in the head.

Whoever copes the best against the spinning ball likely wins the match. So, here’s the big question: Ecclestone and Smith spin a web, or does Mlaba turn the match South Africa’s way? The only guarantee is that you won’t want to blink, because these bowlers can turn the match with one over.

FAQs

1: Who is England’s leading bowler to watch in this match?

Sophie Ecclestone, with 14 wickets in 7 matches, is England’s key bowler.

2: Which bowler has the best strike rate among England’s spinners?

Linsey Smith has a strike rate of 21, making her England’s most efficient wicket-taker.

3: Who is South Africa’s top-performing spinner in this World Cup?

Nonkululeko Mlaba leads with 15 wickets in 8 matches and an economy of 4.9.