Guwahati : Linsey Smith’s stunning new-ball burst set the tone for England Women as they bundled South Africa Women out for just 69 in 20.4 overs – the Proteas’ second-lowest total in ODI World Cup history in the fourth match of the Women’s World Cup 2025 at Barsapara Stadium, on Friday.
England opted to bowl first and struck immediately through Smith, who removed both openers in her first two overs. She dismissed South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt for 5 with a sharp caught-and-bowled effort and then cleaned up Tazmin Brits, also for 5. Lauren Bell added to the early damage by knocking over Sune Luus for 2.
Smith kept the pressure on with her control of the new ball and claimed a third scalp by sending back Marizanne Kapp for 4, leaving South Africa in deep trouble. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt then took charge, striking twice in quick succession to dismiss Anneke Bosch (6) and Chloe Tryon (2), reducing the innings to a desperate 38 for 6 by the 11th over.
The slide continued despite a gritty effort from wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta, who top-scored with 22 off 36 balls. But Sophie Ecclestone broke through in the 18th over, bowling Jafta and also dismissing Nadine de Klerk (3) to return figures of 2 for 19. Charlie Dean cleaned up the tail with 2 for 14, while Bell ended with 1 for 24.
Smith’s brilliant spell of 3 for 7 in five overs dismantled South Africa’s top order and ensured the Proteas never recovered. Sciver-Brunt chipped in with a miserly 2 for 5, underlining England’s total dominance.
With South Africa bowled out for 69, England’s batters now face a modest target and a chance to finish quickly to boost their net run rate in this World Cup campaign.
Brief scores:
South Africa Women 69 all out in 20.4 overs (Sinalo Jafta 22, Ayabonga Khaka 6; Linsey Smith 3-7, Charlie Dean 2-14) against England Women.
–IANS
