Dominant England sweep aside South Africa in CWC25
England cruised to a ten-wicket win after bowling South Africa out for their second-lowest ODI total in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup history.
England claim a thumping win over South Africa | Match Highlights | CWC25
Bowlers deliver an exhibition against the Proteas as England get their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign off to a stellar beginning.
England opened their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding ten-wicket win at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, chasing down a modest target of 70 in just 14 overs.
Amy Jones (40) led the way while Tammy Beaumont (17) provided support as the openers ensured a trouble-free finish to a dominant display.
The pair walked out knowing the target was well within reach after England produced a strong 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 picking three wickets, while giving away just seven runs from her four overs.
Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean took two wickets each while Lauren Bell added one to the tally.
Linsey Smith weaves magic with the ball | Aramco POTM Highlights | CWC25
Linsey Smith got England off to a spectacular start, running through South Africa's batting order, and was adjudged the Aramco Player of the Match.
South Africa were left reeling early on after Smith spun a web around their top order. Smith struck first by dismissing skipper Laura Wolvaardt, followed by Tazmin Brits. Lauren Bell stuck in the next over, knocking over Sune Luus to deepen the collapse.
Smith returned to claim her third, sending Marizanne Kapp’s stumps flying and the England skipper removed Anneke Bosch soon after, leaving South Africa in tatters early on, as they lost half their side within the powerplay.
Sciver-Brunt kept the pressure on after the powerplay, striking with her very first ball to remove Chloe Tryon. Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean then 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 claiming Masabata Klaas' wicket.
Dean wraps up England's demolition job with the ball | CWC25
Charlie Dean cleans up Nonkululeko Mlaba as England bundle the Proteas out for 69 in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
South Africa’s lone resistance came from Sinalo Jafta, the only batter to reach double figures. The Proteas failed to add another run after Jafta’s dismissal with Dean sealing the innings by picking Nonkululeko Mlaba's wicket as well.
South Africa will aim to bounce back when they face New Zealand on October 6 - with both the teams having lost their respective opening clashes, while England will take on Bangladesh on October 7, after the Asian side opened their campaign with a win over Pakistan.