The England spinner Linsey Smith, along with Sophie Ecclestone and Charlotte Dean, powered South Africa’s collapse during the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 clash played on October 03 at Guwahati.

The spinners entirely dominated the ground, picking 7 wickets during the Friday clash and played a crucial role in restricting South Africa to 69 runs.

After being put to bat first, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmim Brits opened the innings for South Africa while Lauren Bell opened the bowling attack.

Both openers were sent out by Linsey Smith for 5 runs each, while Sune Luus got dismissed for 2 runs by Lauren Bell.

With Marizanne Kapp’s dismissal for 4 by Linsey Smith and Anneke Bosch’s dismissal by Nat Sciver-Brunt for 6 runs, South Africa went on to lost 5 wickets for 31 runs.

With Sinalo Jafta and Chloe Tryon at the crease, South Africa went on to score 38 runs in the powerplay.

With Chloe Tryon and Nadine Klerk were sent back to dug out with 2 and 3 runs respectively, Sinalo Jafta went on to score 22 runs and she was the only double digit scorer for South Africa.

With Sinalo’s dismissal, South Africa were down to last one wicket and Mlaba’s dismissal in the 21st over has made Proteas Women to get bowled out for 69 runs.

Linsey Smith picked three wickets while Sophie Ecclestone, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Charlie Dean picked two wickets each.

Speaking at the toss, England captain Nat Sciver Brunt said, “We’re going to have a bowl. Want to get out there as a group and make a mark on the game. Hopefully will get better to bat on under lights.”

“Looking to take wickets with the ball at every opportunity. Only the second woman for England to play 150 ODIs which is such a huge achievement (talking about Heather Knight). Great to have her back,” Sciver Brunt added.

Meanwhile South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said, “Looks a bit slower than what we thought it would be. Don’t mind having a bat first. For us it’s about taking it one game at a time. Need to be present in the moment.”

“He’s been amazing (coach Mandla Mashimbyi), has changed a lot of things and is all about playing brave cricket. He’s good at motivational speeches as well. Four spin options, three seam options,” concluded LauraWolvaardt.

England Women Playing 11: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones(w), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell

South Africa Women Playing 11: Laura Wolvaardt(c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, We have Jafta(w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Mabata Klaas, Not thanks Khaka, Norego Mlaba