England’s women’s cricket team stormed into the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup with a performance that will be tough to top, delivering a crushing 10-wicket victory over South Africa in Guwahati on Friday. The match, which doubled as both teams’ tournament opener, was a showcase of England’s tactical acumen, bowling depth, and composure under pressure, setting the tone for what could be a formidable campaign.
Winning the toss and opting to field, England immediately seized the initiative. The decision to hand the new ball to left-arm spinner Linsey Smith—just her fifth ODI appearance—was a bold, unconventional move, especially given the fielding restrictions in the opening Power Play. Most captains would have hesitated, but England’s leadership sensed the sluggish, tacky surface called for something different. The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion.
Smith wasted no time weaving her magic. In the second over, she lured South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt into a tame return catch—an early blow that sent ripples through the Proteas’ dressing room. Two overs later, Smith bowled in-form opener Tazmin Brits, and by her third over, she’d castled Marizanne Kapp, South Africa’s star all-rounder. With the scoreboard reading a dire 19 for four, South Africa were in freefall.
“To get that start was very special. I only found out yesterday that I was opening the bowling and I was excited for the challenge. The conditions suited me well,” Smith reflected after being named player of the match. Her final figures—3 wickets for just 7 runs from 4 overs—tell only part of the story. Smith’s discipline and ability to keep the stumps in play set the tone for England’s relentless attack.
Lauren Bell, operating from the other end in stifling humidity, chipped in by bowling Sune Luus, while captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, returning to bowling after an Achilles injury, showed no signs of rust. Sciver-Brunt trapped Anneke Bosch lbw with her first delivery and soon after dismissed Chloe Tryon, ending any hopes South Africa had of a middle-order revival.
Spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean joined the party, each picking up two wickets. Ecclestone’s sharp turn accounted for Nadine de Klerk, and Dean cleaned up the tail, bowling both Masabata Klaas and Nonkululeko Mlaba. England’s spinners were ruthless, exploiting every ounce of assistance the pitch had to offer. The result? South Africa’s innings folded for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs—their third-lowest total in Women’s One Day Internationals and their lowest ever against England.
Only Sinalo Jafta offered any resistance, scratching her way to 22 runs. She was the lone South African to reach double figures, a statistic that underlined England’s dominance and South Africa’s struggles. “Not the way we wanted to start the tournament. We’ve shown resilience in the past and we’ll bounce back,” Wolvaardt said, trying to rally her team after the defeat.
England’s fielding was sharp, their energy infectious, and their tactical flexibility on full display. Even Heather Knight, celebrating her 150th ODI appearance—a milestone reached by only one other Englishwoman—wasn’t required to bat or bowl, such was the comprehensive nature of England’s win.
Chasing a modest target of 70, openers Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont navigated the first few overs with caution. The surface still offered a hint of unpredictability, but England’s openers quickly found their rhythm. Jones, fluent and confident, finished unbeaten on 40, while Beaumont played a supporting role with 21 not out. The pair reached the target in just 14.1 overs, with 215 balls to spare—a statement of intent to the rest of the competition.
Jones had a brief scare on 31 when Masabata Klaas spilled a return catch, but otherwise, the chase was drama-free. England’s approach was measured, prioritizing net run-rate—a crucial factor in tournament play—over flashy strokeplay. “That’s a shot of some authority!” exclaimed the commentator as Beaumont pulled a Kapp delivery for four, showcasing England’s ability to combine caution with aggression when needed.
The win was not only emphatic but also strategic. With India and Australia widely considered pre-tournament favorites, England’s dominant start vaults them to the top of the points table and gives them a significant net run-rate boost. Their next match, scheduled against Bangladesh on October 7, looms as another opportunity to consolidate their position, though the threat of rain could yet play a part.
For South Africa, the loss is a bitter pill. Their batting frailties were laid bare, and their tactical choices—particularly the decision to prioritize pace over spin—came under scrutiny. Even the introduction of part-time spinner Chloe Tryon in the Power Play seemed like an admission that the initial strategy had backfired. “Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us as quickly as we can,” Wolvaardt reiterated, looking for positives in an otherwise forgettable outing.
England’s coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt will be thrilled with the all-round performance. Sciver-Brunt, reflecting on the win, said, “Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first-ball wickets as well. A captain’s dream. Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up being a left-hander. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership and she was perfect for that.”
Smith’s emergence as a reliable Power Play option adds another weapon to England’s already impressive arsenal. Her willingness to take on the new ball and bowl in high-pressure situations could prove vital as the tournament progresses. “I try to keep the stumps in play and it came off today. There is huge talent in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit,” Smith said, hinting at the team’s depth and ambition.
With this resounding win, England have laid down a marker. Their blend of experience, tactical flexibility, and youthful exuberance makes them a team to watch. As the World Cup unfolds, rivals will be wary of a side that can turn a game on its head with both ball and bat.
For now, England’s perfect start has fans dreaming, while South Africa will be left searching for answers before their next outing. The road to the World Cup crown is long, but England have made sure everyone knows they mean business.
