**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 commanding start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign, crushing South Africa by a massive 10 wickets. The match, held in Guwahati on Friday, saw the Proteas bowled out for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs – their second-lowest total in ODI World Cup history.
### Bowling Brilliance Sets the Tone
England’s decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends. Linsey Smith was the star of the show, claiming three wickets for just seven runs and dismantling South Africa’s top order early on.
Smith struck quickly in her opening spell, dismissing both South African openers inside her first two overs. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits were both sent back cheaply for five runs apiece, with Wolvaardt falling to a sharp caught-and-bowled chance.
Lauren Bell then joined the wicket-taking effort, removing Sune Luus for just two runs. Smith continued her devastating spell by dismissing Marizanne Kapp for four runs, leaving South Africa struggling at 38/5 after the 10-over powerplay.
### Spin Success, But Collapse Continues
Wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta offered some resistance, top-scoring with 22 runs off 36 balls. However, her efforts couldn’t halt the slide. She was eventually bowled by Sophie Ecclestone in the 18th over.
Ecclestone finished with figures of 2/19, also dismissing Nadine de Klerk for three runs. Charlie Dean cleaned up the tail with 2/14, while Lauren Bell returned 1/24. Together with Smith’s exceptional 3/7, England’s bowlers completely dismantled South Africa’s batting unit.
### England’s Batting Finishes the Job
With South Africa all out for 69, England’s batters faced a modest target, cruising to victory in just 14.1 overs. Amy Jones led the chase with an unbeaten 40 off 50 balls, supported by Tammy Beaumont’s 21 not out from 35 balls.
This dominant win gave England a significant boost in their net run rate ahead of their next game against Bangladesh, scheduled for Tuesday – a match that could be influenced by rain.
### Records and Milestones
The victory marked England’s second 10-wicket win over South Africa Women in ODI World Cup history, the first being against Australia at Bengaluru in 1997 (target: 164). It also became England Women’s third-ever 10-wicket win in Women’s World Cup matches, joining victories against India in 1982 and Ireland in 1988.
For South Africa, the total of 69 represents their third-lowest all-out score in Women’s ODIs, behind 51 against New Zealand in the 2009 World Cup and 63 versus Pakistan in 2019.
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**Summary of Key Stats:**
– **South Africa total:** 69 all out in 20.4 overs
– **Top South Africa scorer:** Sinalo Jafta (22)
– **Best England bowling:** Linsey Smith 3/7, Sophie Ecclestone 2/19
– **England chase:** 70 runs in 14.1 overs
– **Top England scorers:** Amy Jones (40*), Tammy Beaumont (21*)
– **Match venue:** Guwahati
– **Victory margin:** 10 wickets
England’s comprehensive performance with both ball and bat has set a strong tone for their World Cup campaign, showcasing their championship credentials early on.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/england-tame-south-africa-in-women-s-world-cup/story