South Africa’s campaign at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 got off to a shaky start as they collapsed to six wickets down in their opener against England at the ACA Stadium, Guwahati on Friday.
England Seize Control Early
After winning the toss, England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt opted to bowl first, and her decision paid immediate dividends. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the star of the show, dismantling South Africa’s top order with precision.
Smith dismissed Laura Wolvaardt early before producing a peach of a delivery to bowl out Tazmin Brits. Seam bowler Lauren Bell added to the misery, sending Sune Luus back cheaply.
Smith returned in her next spell to rattle Marizanne Kapp’s stumps, giving England a stranglehold. Soon after, Anneke Bosch fell to Sciver-Brunt, leaving South Africa reeling.
Tryon Falls After Powerplay
The slide continued right after the powerplay when Chloe Tryon mistimed a flick shot off Sciver-Brunt’s very first delivery, with Alice Capsey completing a safe catch. At 6 wickets down inside the first half of the innings, South Africa’s hopes rested on their lower order to mount a recovery.
Both Teams Enter as Title Contenders
This clash marked the final two teams making their first appearance in the tournament. England, four-time champions and 2022 runners-up, arrived in red-hot form after warm-up wins against India and Australia. With Sciver-Brunt leading the side for the first time in a World Cup, the squad looked balanced and confident.
South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, also came in with strong credentials, having beaten Pakistan convincingly in their pre-tournament ODI series. The Proteas, however, will need a fightback from their middle and lower order to stay alive in this contest.
The two sides last met in the 2022 World Cup semifinal, where England knocked South Africa out in commanding fashion.