**England Thrash South Africa in ICC Women’s World Cup**
*By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 03, 2025 | 06:31 PM*
England’s women’s cricket team has made a spectacular start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, crushing South Africa by an emphatic 10 wickets. The match, held in Guwahati on Friday, saw the Proteas bowled out for a mere 69 runs in just 20.4 overs — their second-lowest total in ODI World Cup history.
### Bowling Brilliance Sets the Tone
Choosing to bowl first, England’s decision paid off immediately as Linsey Smith delivered a masterclass with the ball. Smith struck early, dismissing both South African openers in her opening spells. She cleanly caught and bowled South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt for 5 runs and then dismissed Tazmin Brits for the same score.
Lauren Bell soon joined the attack, removing Sune Luus cheaply for 2. Smith continued her devastating spell by sending back Marizanne Kapp for 4 runs. South Africa found themselves in deep trouble at 38/5 after the 10-over powerplay.
### Spin Success and Continued Collapse
Despite a fighting effort from wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta, who top-scored with 22 off 36 balls, South Africa’s resistance crumbled. Jafta was dismissed in the 18th over by England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who finished with impressive figures of 2/19. Ecclestone also dismissed Nadine de Klerk (3).
Charlie Dean helped wrap up the tail with 2/14, while Lauren Bell finished with 1/24. Linsey Smith’s remarkable spell of 3/7 from four overs decimated South Africa’s top order, leaving them with no chance of recovery.
### England Chase Down the Target with Ease
Chasing a modest target of 70, England’s batters made light work of the task. Amy Jones remained unbeaten on 40 off 50 balls, supported by Tammy Beaumont’s unbeaten 21 off 35 balls. The duo guided England to victory in just 14.1 overs, securing a comfortable win.
This commanding victory has given England a significant boost in their net run rate ahead of their second game against Bangladesh, scheduled for Tuesday, which may be impacted by rain.
### Records and Milestones
According to Cricbuzz, this is only the second time in Women’s ODI World Cup history that a team has defeated South Africa Women by 10 wickets, the first being Australia’s win in Bengaluru in 1997 chasing 164.
For England, this marks their third 10-wicket victory in Women’s World Cup history:
– vs India Women, Nelson, 1982 (target: 62)
– vs Ireland Women, Melbourne, 1988 (target: 110)
– vs South Africa Women, Guwahati, 2025 (target: 70)
For South Africa, this innings represents their third-lowest all-out total in Women’s ODIs:
– 51 vs New Zealand Women, Bowral, 2009 (World Cup)
– 63 vs Pakistan Women, Potchefstroom, 2019
– 69 vs England Women, Guwahati, 2025 (World Cup)
Other low totals include 75 vs Bangladesh Women in Mirpur (2012) and 77 vs England Women in Cuttack (2013 World Cup).
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England’s dominant performance sends a clear message to the rest of the tournament as they look to build on this momentum in the coming matches.
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