England Crush South Africa by 10 Wickets in Women’s World Cup Clash

GUWAHATI: England bundled out South Africa for a meagre 69 in just 20.4 overs before openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones chased down the target with ease, sealing victory in 14.1 overs.

Opting to bowl first, England took a bold gamble by handing the new ball to spin in the powerplay — a tactic captains often avoid. The move paid off handsomely as left-arm spinner Linsey Smith proved to be the game-changer, exploiting the sluggish surface and leaving the Proteas batting order in complete disarray.

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,” said Smith.

It was just Smith’s fifth ODI, but the 30-year-old is no stranger to international cricket, having been part of England’s T20 side since 2018. Now a permanent fixture in the 50-over team, her willingness to bowl in the danger zone of the power play could be a trump card for England going forward in this campaign.

Smith struck in each of her first three overs and was unlucky not to bag a fourth when a stumping chance off Sinalo Jafta went begging. Jafta clung on grimly for 22, the lone South African to reach double figures in a sorry tale of collapse.

It was the Proteas’ third lowest total in ODIs and their worst against England.

The chase was little more than a formality, though Jones survived a let-off on 31 when Masabata Klaas spilled a return catch. She finished unbeaten on 40 with Beaumont on 21 not out.

“Not the way we wanted to start the tournament. We’ve shown resilience in the past and we’ll bounce back,” South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt insisted as her batters were left searching for answers.

England’s dominance was such that Heather Knight, marking her 150th ODI appearance was not required to bat or bowl as her team-mates were so dominant against South Africa. She became only the second player from England to feature in 150 women’s ODIs.

The emphatic win vaulted England to the top of the points table with all eight teams now having played one game each.