South Africa entered their ICC Women’s World Cup opener in Guwahati with a reputation for great partnerships and reliable all-rounders. However, the script flipped dramatically in England’s favour as the Proteas were dismantled in just 21 overs, bowled out for 69 in a collapse that shocked everyone who had expected a fierce battle.
The world still remembers the record 260-run partnership between Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, one of the hallmarks of South Africa’s batting strength, from the lead-up series to the World Cup. In their opener, however, that partnership was only a reminder of what could have been. Instead, the innings fell apart with single-digit partnerships and a flurry of wickets.
On her World Cup debut, Linsey Smith made an immediate impact. She struck the decisive early blow, dismissing captain Laura Wolvaardt with a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort. Wolvaardt tried to work the ball down to mid-on, but Smith flung herself to the left in her follow-through, completing a sensational catch.
Smith wasn’t done. She soon accounted for Tazmin Brits, sliding one through the narrow gap between bat and pad to rattle the stumps. Brits’ golden run of three successive ODI centuries came to a heartbreaking end.
Then came the wicket of all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, bowled in identical fashion, beaten for movement and losing her stumps. Within four overs, South Africa had slumped to 22/4, their top order dismantled.
Lauren Bell added to the carnage by removing Sune Luus, who misjudged a straight delivery while attempting a drive. Returning to the bowling crease after months, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt also got in on the act, dismissing Anneke Bosch for 6.
While Sinalo Jafta provided the lone resistance with a gritty 22, she too was undone by Sophie Ecclestone, who later sent back Nadine de Klerk for 3.
Charlie Dean applied the finishing touches, picking up Masabata Klaas and Nonkululeko Mlaba in the same over, sealing a dominant performance for England.
Smith was the standout star with 3 wickets for just 7 runs, while Ecclestone, Dean, and Sciver-Brunt shared two wickets each. Bell chipped in with one, completing a bowling display that will be remembered as one of the sharpest England have produced in recent tournaments.
For South Africa, the collapse was both stunning and sobering. A batting lineup built around powerful openers and world-class all-rounders crumbled against relentless pressure. The much-vaunted top order, usually the backbone of their innings, had no answers to England’s accuracy, swing, and spin.
The Proteas had spoken before the match about their hunger to finally overcome England, who have twice knocked them out in World Cup semi-finals. But instead of redemption, they were left with disappointment and reflection.
England’s camp celebrated the discipline and execution of their bowlers. Linsey Smith’s dream debut became the talking point of the day. The first innings result highlighted the fine margins of World Cup cricket, where reputations mean little, and one inspired spell can flip the script entirely. South Africa, touted as dark horses before the tournament, will now have to recover quickly to avoid falling behind in the group stage.
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