LIVE: England bowl out South Africa for 69 in CWC25 tie
A mouth-watering contest between two prime contenders takes place in Guwahati.
England produced a relentless bowling display to dismiss South Africa for just 69 in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Every bowler chipped in with wickets, leaving the batters under constant pressure after early breakthroughs derailed the innings.
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 didnt 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 were bundled out for the third-lowest ODI total and the second-lowest ever in a World Cup match.
England dominate South Africa dismantling their top order | Powerplay Highlights | CWC25
England snapped five wickets against South Africa within the first ten overs in their first CWC25 game.
South Africa were left reeling early on after Linsey 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 in similar fashion 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 powerplay, striking with the very first ball to remove Chloe Tryon. The batter attempted a flick but mistimed it as Alice Capsey took the catch.
Anneke Bosch - Wicket - England Women vs South Africa Women
Anneke Bosch - Wicket - England Women vs South Africa Women
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and decided to bowl first against South Africa in their opening game.
The match marks the final two teams yet to play in the competition take centre-stage at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
England win toss against South Africa | CWC25
England win the toss and choose to field first in their CWC25 opening clash against South Africa.
England arrive into the competition led by Nat Sciver-Brunt, who’s captaining in her first ICC Cricket World Cup. The premier all-rounder had taken over the role from Heather Knight earlier this year.
Having finished runner-ups in the previous edition back in 2022, the four-time champions had a brilliant lead up to the competition, clinching wins over India and Australia in the warm-up games.
South Africa on the other hand are also prime contenders with Laura Wolvaardt at the helm. The Proteas were also in serious form against Pakistan in the three-match ODI series leading up to the tournament.
The two teams had previously met in the tournament during the semifinal in the 2022 edition with England emerging winners.
Squads:
England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase. Reserves: Miane Smit
