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England Crush South Africa by 10 Wickets in Women’s ODI World Cup Opener
Guwahati, October 3, 2025 -- England announced their arrival at the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in emphatic fashion, dismantling South Africa by ten wickets in Guwahati on Friday. A dazzling spell of left-arm spin from Linsey Smith, combined with a disciplined bowling unit, restricted the Proteas to a meagre 69 their second-lowest total at a World Cup. England then chased the target in just 14.1 overs, storming to the top of the table with a net run rate that sent a warning to rivals Australia, India, and New Zealand.
Spin Steals the Show
Smith, only months into her international career, made her World Cup debut unforgettable. She struck with her second delivery, removing South Africa’s skipper Laura Wolvaardt for five, and followed it up with key scalps of Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp. Each dismissal showcased her ability to drift the ball and attack the stumps, a hallmark of her style since bursting into England’s XI earlier this year.
Supported ably by Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean, England’s spin trio accounted for seven wickets between them. The Proteas, visibly rattled, never settled against the turners and folded inside 21 overs.
A Batting Collapse to Forget
South Africa’s innings was marked by poor footwork and questionable shot selection. Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures, scoring a fighting 22 before being bowled by Ecclestone.
The rest crumbled in quick succession. At 38 for 6, survival was the only realistic aim, yet wickets continued to tumble. Commentators were quick to point out the absence of Annerie Dercksen — the centurion from earlier this year — as South Africa’s team balance came under scrutiny.
Sciver-Brunt’s Bowling Boost
If Smith’s emergence was the headline, Natalie Sciver-Brunt’s return to full bowling fitness was the sub-plot England fans had been waiting for. Leading the side, Sciver-Brunt took two wickets for just five runs in her three-over spell. Having been absent from bowling duties since the Ashes in January, her comeback adds depth to England’s pace attack and relieves pressure on frontline pacer Lauren Bell.
“It feels good to be back contributing with the ball,” Sciver-Brunt said post-match. “We’ve worked hard to get the balance right, and today everything clicked.”
Jones and Beaumont Seal the Deal
Chasing 70 was always going to be straightforward, and England’s openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones ensured there were no slip-ups. Jones finished unbeaten on 40, peppering boundaries through cover and over mid-on, while Beaumont played the anchor role with calm assurance. The pair carried England home without losing a wicket, underscoring the gulf between the sides on the day.
Historical Echoes
This was not the first time South Africa collapsed against England on Indian soil. Back in 2013 at Cuttack, the Proteas were bowled out for 77 in another World Cup encounter. A young Kapp and Tryon were part of that side; this time, too, they were left searching for answers against England’s guile and discipline.
For England, it was a day of new beginnings. Smith made history by dismissing Wolvaardt, Brits, and Kapp in the same innings — the first bowler to do so in a Women’s ODI World Cup match. Coach Charlotte Edwards, herself a World Cup-winning captain, beamed with pride on the sidelines, describing the performance as “clinical and commanding.”
What This Means for the Tournament
England now sit atop the table with a net run rate of 3.77 — nearly double that of Australia. For a side hunting its fifth World Cup crown, such a dominant start is priceless. Their next clash against New Zealand promises to be a sterner test, but the balance of spin, pace, and batting depth suggests England are ready to go all the way.
South Africa, on the other hand, must regroup quickly. Their next outing against India will test their resilience, and with questions hanging over selection choices and top-order consistency, pressure will mount on captain Wolvaardt and coach Hilton Moreeng to deliver answers fast.
Conclusion
The Women’s ODI World Cup could not have asked for a more dramatic opening. England’s ruthless efficiency, Linsey Smith’s spin magic, and Nat Sciver-Brunt’s all-round leadership set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling tournament. For South Africa, the road is already steep — but as history has shown, World Cups are defined by comebacks as much as collapses.
If today was any indication, England have not just arrived in India; they’ve announced their intent to conquer.
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