Key Points
- Linsey Smith led England’s bowling with 3 wickets for 7 runs, supported by a strong spin attack.
- England chased the target easily, reaching 70 without losing a wicket in 14.1 overs.
GUWAHATI: Four-time champions England began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 journey with a commanding 10-wicket win over South Africa at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Friday.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s bold decision to field first paid off handsomely as the English bowling attack bundled out South Africa for a mere 69 runs in 20.4 overs.
Linsey Smith spearheaded the bowling dominance, claiming three wickets for just seven runs in her four overs. She received excellent support from Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, and Sciver-Brunt, each taking two wickets, while Lauren Bell chipped in with one.
For South Africa, wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jofta was the lone fighter, scoring a gritty 36 runs off 22 balls. The rest of the South African lineup struggled against England’s spin-heavy attack, failing to reach double figures.
Chasing a modest target of 70, the Three Lions made light work of the chase, reaching it comfortably in 14.1 overs without losing a wicket.
Amy Jones led the charge with an unbeaten 40 off 50 balls, featuring six boundaries, while Tammy Beaumont added a steady 21 not out from 35 deliveries.
This emphatic victory not only earned England two valuable points but also propelled them to the top of the World Cup standings with a massive net run rate of 3.773.
South Africa, meanwhile, found themselves at the bottom of the table, thanks to their poor net run rate compared to other losing teams Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
England will face Bangladesh next on October 7, while South Africa are set to play New Zealand in their second match on Monday.
