England launched their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing South Africa by 10 wickets with 215 balls to spare in Guwahati on Friday. It was their fourth-biggest win by balls remaining in World Cup history, only behind their 243-ball victory against the same opponents in Cuttack in 2013.
Smith Dismantles South Africa’s Top Order
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s decision to bowl first was rewarded instantly. Linsey Smith, handed the new ball, was unplayable, producing figures of 3 for 7 in her five overs. She dismissed both openers—Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits—inside her first two overs, before removing Marizanne Kapp to leave South Africa reeling.
Lauren Bell struck in between, bowling Sune Luus, as South Africa slumped to 21/4 within the first eight overs.
Not the way we would have wanted to start the tournament. Not our best work with the bat… They bowled really well with the new ball. Linsey was excellent. We did not expect that much swing, but could have played straighter lines. We have shown resilience in the past, and we want to put this behind us.
Batting Collapse Leaves Proteas Helpless
The collapse was relentless. South Africa lost half their side for 31 inside nine overs and never recovered. Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta fought hard with a gritty 22, but she was the only batter to cross double figures.
Sophie Ecclestone (2/19), Charlie Dean (2/14), and Sciver-Brunt (2/5) shared the spoils as South Africa were bundled out for just 69 in 20.4 overs—their second-lowest total in ODI World Cups. Their highest partnership was a mere 12 runs.
Beaumont, Jones Seal Flawless Chase
Chasing a modest 70, England’s openers Tammy Beaumont (21* off 35) and Amy Jones (40* off 50) were untroubled. With smart strike rotation and crisp strokeplay, they reached the target in the 15th over without losing a wicket.
Massively pleased. Everyone was on it in the field. Had a few first-ball wickets as well, so it was a captain’s dream. (On Smith) She just stuck to her strengths. She is a left-arm spinner but can swing the ball. We knew she was a really good match-up against the openers, who had been scoring heavily. We are really blessed that we have so many talented cricketers in our squad.
A Place in the Record Books: The victory adds to England’s list of dominant World Cup wins:
• 243 balls vs South Africa (2013)
• 231 vs India (1982)
• 207 vs Ireland (1988)
• 215 vs South Africa (2025)
• 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 70/0 in 14.1 overs (Tammy Beaumont 21*, Amy Jones 40*) by 10 wickets.
