Linsey Smith delivered a stunning bowling performance at the Women’s World Cup 2025, triggering a South African collapse that saw England reduce the Proteas to just 69 runs. In her spell, Smith became the first bowler in ODI history to dismiss all three key South African batters—Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp—in the same innings, an incredible feat that set the tone for England’s dominant bowling display.
Opening the bowling, Smith took immediate charge with the new ball, picking up three crucial wickets in just three overs. She dismissed South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt for 5 via a sharp caught-and-bowled chance on her very first delivery of the second over. She then dismantled the in-form Tazmin Brits and the star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, both clean bowled, showcasing her superb control, drift, and sharp left-arm orthodox bowling that bamboozled the batters.
Smith’s spell was a masterclass in accuracy and ball movement. She bowled 4 overs in total, finishing with fantastic figures of 3 for 7 bowling 2 maiden overs as England bowled South Africa out cheaply for 69—their second-lowest total in World Cup history. Her relentless pressure and ability to strike early broke the back of the innings and left the opposition in deep trouble early on.
Beyond today’s exploits, Smith has an impressive ODI career highlight she achieved earlier this year—a five-wicket haul on her ODI debut against the West Indies in May 2025. At 30 years old, she became one of England’s oldest debutants to take a fifer, recording figures of 5 for 36. That breakthrough performance marked her arrival on the ODI stage after waiting years since her T20 debut in 2018.
Smith’s journey is a testament to perseverance and skill. Her ability to make an immediate impact by dismissing top batters shows why England’s coaching staff have continued to back her. The combination of her classical left-arm orthodox action, swing, and clever use of the air makes her a lethal weapon, especially with the new ball in hand. Her 3/7 (4) against South Africa will be remembered as one of the finest bowling performances.
Linsey Smith’s spell that dismissed Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Marizanne Kapp, all in the same innings, is a landmark achievement in ODI bowling. Alongside her career-best figures including her debut fifer, she is proving to be a pivotal player for England in the 2025 Women’s World Cup and beyond.
(Stat sourced from Hypocaust)
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