England Women crush South Africa by 10 wickets in World Cup opener

England Women started their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding 10-wicket win over South Africa in Guwahati. Linsey Smith starred with the ball, while Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones completed a flawless chase in just 14.1 overs

Guwahati: England Women opened their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign in Guwahati with a statement win, securing a thumping 10-wicket victory over South Africa with 215 balls to spare — their fourth-biggest win by balls remaining in World Cup history in the fourth match at Baraspara Stadium.

Only their 243-ball victory against the Proteas in Cuttack in 2013 ranks higher.

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Earlier, Nat Sciver-Brunt won the toss and opted to bowl, a decision vindicated almost immediately. Linsey Smith (3-7) was unplayable with the new ball, dismissing both openers — captain Laura Wolvaardt (5) caught and bowled, and Tazmin Brits (5) bowled — inside her first two overs.

Lauren Bell (1-24) joined the party by cleaning up Sune Luus (2), before Smith struck again to remove Marizanne Kapp (4), reducing South Africa to 21 for 4.

From there, the collapse was relentless. South Africa lost half their side for just 31 runs inside nine overs and never recovered. Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta offered resistance with a gritty 22 off 36 balls, but she was the only batter to reach double figures in what became the Proteas’ second-lowest total in ODI World Cups.

Sophie Ecclestone (2-19), Charlie Dean (2-14), and Sciver-Brunt (2-5) chipped in as South Africa folded for 69 in just 20.4 overs. Their highest partnership was a mere 12 runs.

Chasing a target of just 70, England’s openers Tammy Beaumont (21* off 35) and Amy Jones (40* off 50) ensured there were no nerves. They rotated strike smartly, punished the bad deliveries, and overhauled the target in the 15th over to complete a flawless performance.

The win slots in among England’s most dominant World Cup victories: 243 balls remaining vs South Africa (2013), 231 vs India (1982), 207 vs Ireland (1988), 215 vs South Africa (2025), and 205 vs Trinidad & Tobago (1973).

Brief scores:

South Africa Women 69 all out in 20.4 overs (Sinalo Jafta 22; Linsey Smith 3-7, Charlie Dean 2-14) lost to England Women 70 for no loss in 14.1 overs (Tammy Beaumont 21 not out, Amy Jones 40 not out) by 10 wickets