ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: England beat South Africa by record margin in dominant Guwahati opener

England Women kicked off their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign in style, crushing South Africa by 10 wickets in the opening match held at the Baraspara Stadium in Guwahati. They chased down the small target with 215 balls remaining, making it their fourth-largest win (by balls left) in World Cup history.

Only their dominant 243-ball win over South Africa back in 2013 in Cuttack ranks higher.

What happened in the match?

After winning the toss, Nat Sciver-Brunt chose to bowl first, a decision that paid off immediately. Linsey Smith (3 for 7) was exceptional with the new ball, removing both South African openers early, skipper Laura Wolvaardt (5) caught and bowled, and Tazmin Brits (5) clean bowled, within her first two overs.

Lauren Bell (1 for 24) also got into the action by bowling out Sune Luus (2), while Smith struck again to dismiss Marizanne Kapp (4), leaving South Africa reeling at 21 for 4.

How did South Africa lose the match?

The collapse continued rapidly. South Africa lost five wickets for just 31 runs inside nine overs and couldn’t recover. Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta put up some fight with a 22-run knock off 36 balls, but she was the only player to get into double digits. It ended up being South Africa’s second-lowest score ever in Women’s ODI World Cup history.

England’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Sophie Ecclestone (2 for 19), Charlie Dean (2 for 14), and Sciver-Brunt (2 for 5) all contributed as South Africa were bowled out for just 69 in 20.4 overs. Their best partnership was only 12 runs.

How did England perform in reply to the Proteas?

In reply, England made light work of the chase. Openers Tammy Beaumont (21* off 35) and Amy Jones (40* off 50) calmly guided the team home in 14.1 overs. They rotated the strike well, punished poor deliveries, and completed a perfect run chase with no wickets lost.

This win now ranks among England’s most one-sided victories in World Cup history:

• 243 balls remaining 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)
England Women: 70/0 in 14.1 overs (Tammy Beaumont 21*, Amy Jones 40*)
Result: England won by 10 wickets.