Guwahati , oct 3
England began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, cruising to a 10-wicket win over South Africa at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium here on Friday. Chasing a modest 70, the openers made light work of the total, with Amy Jones contributing 40 and Tammy Beaumont adding 17 as England reached the target in just 14 overs.
The pair walked out knowing the target was well within reach after England produced a relentless bowling display to dismiss South Africa for just 69 under 21 overs, their third-lowest ODI total and their second-lowest ever in a World Cup match.
Every England bowler chipped in with wickets, keeping the batters under constant pressure after early breakthroughs derailed the innings. Linsey Smith, making her debut in the competition, stood out with superb figures of 3/7 from just four overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean took two wickets each while Lauren Bell added one to the tally.
South Africa were left reeling early on after Smith spun a web around their top order. Smith struck first by dismissing skipper Laura Wolvaardt, then bowled out Tazmin Brits with a sharp delivery. Lauren Bell followed up in the next over, knocking over Sune Luus to deepen the collapse.
Smith returned to claim her third, sending Marizanne Kapp’s stumps flying similarly to Brits. To pile on further misery, Natalie Sciver-Brunt removed Anneke Bosch, leaving South Africa in tatters early on.
Sciver-Brunt kept the pressure on after the power play, striking with the very first ball to remove Chloe Tryon. The batter attempted a flick but mistimed it as Alice Capsey took the catch.
Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean ran through the lower order, sharing the last four wickets between them. Ecclestone struck first by removing Nadine de Klerk, before Dean opened her account by bowling Masabata Klaas.
South Africa’s lone resistance came from Sinalo Jafta, the only batter to reach double figures. But her attempt to loft didn’t end well, as she was beaten by the turn and bowled. From there, the collapse was complete. The Proteas failed to add another run after Jafta’s dismissal, with Dean sealing the innings by bowling Nonkululeko Mlaba. South Africa will aim to bounce back when they face New Zealand on October 6, with both sides yet to get off the mark. Meanwhile, England take on Bangladesh on October 7 after the Asian side opened their campaign with a win over Pakistan.
