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GUWAHATI: Linsey Smith’s three-wicket haul helped England women rout South Africa women in the fourth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, giving them a flying start to their campaign here at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Set a meagre 70-run target, England romped to victory by 10 wickets in 14.1 overs.
After a miserable batting display, the Proteas had little to celebrate with the ball either. England’s openers wrapped up the chase with ease, as Tammy Beaumont struck three fours in her 21* from 35 balls, while Amy Jones’ score of 40* off 50 deliveries was laced with six fours.
Earlier, the four-time World Cup champions capitalized on the decision to field first and bowled out South Africa for just 69 runs in 20 overs. This was Proteas’ second-lowest total in the marquee event.
Notably, South Africa’s previous lowest total in a World Cup match also came against England in Cuttack, back in 2013.
Linsey Smith made early inroads with the new ball and tore through the Proteas top order. She removed Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits in the second and fourth over, respectively, both batters being dismissed for five runs.
After losing early wickets, South Africa could not arrest the slide and were further dented by regular dismissals. Following Smith’s spell, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell chipped in with the ball and broke the backbone of South Africa’s batting lineup.
Sinalo Jafta top-scored for South Africa with 22 from 36 balls with the aid of three fours in an otherwise shambolic batting display.
In England’s all-round bowling display, Linsey Smith stood tall and was excellent with the ball, picking up three wickets in her four overs while giving away just seven. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean bagged two wickets each.
READ: Zimbabwe seal Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 berth with win over Kenya
