England crush South Africa by 10 wickets

England opened their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign with a 10-wicket win over South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, after bowling the Proteas out for 69 in 20.4 overs. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith took 3-7 on her World Cup debut, and Sophie Ecclestone (2-19), Charlie Dean (2-14) and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (2-5) shared the remaining wickets as nine South African batters failed to reach double figures; Sinalo Jafta top-scored with 22. Tammy Beaumont (21*) and Amy Jones (40*) chased 70 in 14.1 overs, completing the victory with 215 balls (35.5 overs) to spare. The result gives England an early boost in the round-robin standings and net run rate.