**England Thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup with 10-Wicket Victory**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025, 06:31 PM*
England’s women’s cricket team made a spectacular start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, crushing South Africa by a dominant margin of 10 wickets. The match, held in Guwahati on Friday, saw the South African side bundled out for a mere 69 runs in just 20.4 overs — their second-lowest total in Women’s ODI World Cup history.
### Bowling Brilliance Sets the Tone
England’s decision to bowl first instantly paid dividends. Linsey Smith starred with the ball, claiming three wickets for only seven runs in her four overs. She dismantled South Africa’s top order early, including dismissing captain Laura Wolvaardt and opener Tazmin Brits for just five runs each within her first two overs.
Lauren Bell also made significant inroads, removing Sune Luus for two runs. Smith continued her impressive spell by clean bowling Marizanne Kapp for four, leaving South Africa struggling at 38 for 5 after the 10-over powerplay.
### South African Resistance Fails to Last
Wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta offered some resistance with a patient 22 off 36 balls, top-scoring for her side. However, her efforts were ultimately in vain as she was dismissed by Sophie Ecclestone in the 18th over. Ecclestone ended with figures of 2 for 19, while Charlie Dean cleaned up the tail, taking 2 for 14. Lauren Bell finished with 1 for 24.
Smith’s outstanding bowling decimated the South African lineup early, ensuring they never recovered from the top order collapse.
### England’s Batting Makes Light Work of Target
Chasing a low total of 70, England’s batters quickly sealed the victory with ease. Amy Jones remained unbeaten on 40 off 50 balls, while Tammy Beaumont contributed an unbeaten 21 from 35 deliveries. The duo steered England to a comfortable win inside 14.1 overs.
This emphatic win not only gave England three points but also boosted their net run rate ahead of their second group stage match against Bangladesh, which faces possible rain interruptions.
### Records and Stats
– This victory marks England’s third 10-wicket win in ICC Women’s World Cup history and only their second such win against South Africa in World Cups, with the previous occurring in Bengaluru, 1997.
– England’s 10-wicket wins in Women’s World Cup events:
– vs India, Nelson, 1982 (target 62)
– vs Ireland, Melbourne, 1988 (target 110)
– vs South Africa, Guwahati, 2025 (target 70)
– South Africa’s total of 69 is their third-lowest in Women’s ODIs. Their lowest totals remain:
– 51 vs New Zealand, Bowral, 2009
– 63 vs Pakistan, Potchefstroom, 2019
– 69 vs England, Guwahati, 2025
– The innings further signals England’s dominance and sets the tone for their campaign ahead.
England’s commanding performance with both ball and bat emphatically demonstrated their World Cup credentials, positioning them strongly for the challenges to come.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-tame-south-africa-in-women-s-world-cup/story