England hand South Africa a 10-wicket drubbing at WC

Before this match, South Africa were expected to be a tough challenge.

- Samreen Razzaqui

They made it to the finals of the most recent ICC events after all. But in their first match at the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, they were handed a major reality check—a colossal 10-wicket defeat — by England at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday. It was a reality check so strong that it has given them a negative run-rate of 3.22.

In what was a stunning collapse, South Africa were bowled out for 69 runs in 20.4 overs — the second lowest total in an ODI World Cup. It was horror from the get-go as Linsey Smith (3/7) set the tone with early breakthroughs with the new ball. The questionable footwork against the moving ball and poor shot selection unfolded in the innings that followed for South Africa.