England made a powerful start to the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with a crushing 10-wicket win over South Africa at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
Asked to bat first, South Africa folded meekly for just 69 runs. England’s bowlers exploited movement and length, ripping through their batting order with relentless accuracy.
England’s Bowlers Set the Tone
Linsey Smith, on her World Cup debut, delivered a match-defining spell of 3/7. Her sharp left-arm spin broke South Africa’s rhythm early. Lauren Bell and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt supported her well, using tight lines to collect three wickets between them.
South Africa’s top order offered little resistance. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt (5), Tazmin Brits (5), Sune Luus (2), Marizanne Kapp (4), and Anneke Bosch (6) all fell before reaching double digits. Their shot selection only deepened the collapse.
Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta fought alone, grinding out 22 from 36 balls. But Sophie Ecclestone ended her stay with a pinpoint delivery that rattled the stumps. Charlie Dean finished the job with 2/14 as South Africa crashed to the third-lowest total in Women’s ODI history.
Openers Seal the Chase
Chasing only 70, England’s openers never looked troubled. Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones started patiently, waiting for loose deliveries to punish.
Beaumont stayed unbeaten on 21 off 35 balls, while Jones top-scored with a calm 40 not out from 50 deliveries. Together, they wrapped up the target in 14.1 overs to seal a clinical 10-wicket triumph.
England Make a Statement
The result showed England’s authority in the tournament and exposed South Africa’s fragile batting. Speaking before the contest, Nat Sciver-Brunt said, “Wolvaardt is a big player for South Africa. If she gets going, it is difficult to get her out. We will put plans in place for her.” Her words matched England’s sharp execution.
Brief Scores:
South Africa Women: 69 (Sinalo Jafta 22; Linsey Smith 3-7, Charlie Dean 2-14)
England Women: 73/0 in 14.1 overs (Tammy Beaumont 21*, Amy Jones 40*)
England’s convincing 10-wicket win over South Africa in Guwahati underlined their intent to dominate the Women’s World Cup 2025.
Stay tuned for all the Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Cricket updates!