Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith dismantled South Africa’s top order to set up a 10-wicket victory for England in their opening match of the Women’s ODI World Cup in Guwahati. In a contest that lasted just 34.5 overs, South Africa were bundled out for 69, their second-lowest total in a World Cup. Smith, playing in her first World Cup match, was the chief architect with figures of 3 for 7. England’s openers Amy Jones, 40, and Tammy Beaumont, 21, then chased the target in only 14.1 overs.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss paid immediate dividends. She opened the bowling with Smith, who struck with her second ball to dismiss South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt, caught and bowled. Smith went on to remove Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp, leaving the Proteas reeling at 19 for four. The rest of the English attack maintained the pressure, with Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean claiming two wickets each. Wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, with 22, was the only South African batter to reach double figures.
The chase was a mere formality for England, who reached the target of 70 without losing a wicket. Amy Jones was the more aggressive of the openers, scoring an unbeaten 40 from 50 balls, while Tammy Beaumont provided steady support with 21 not out. The comfortable victory propelled England to the top of the points table with a net run rate of +3.773, sending a clear message to other tournament contenders.
A disappointed Laura Wolvaardt said, "Not the way we would have wanted to start the tournament. Not our best work with the bat. We have not become a bad batting team overnight... Linsey was excellent." England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt was delighted with the all-around performance. "Massively pleased. Everyone was on it in the field. Had a few first-ball wickets as well, so it was a captain’s dream," she said.
The day belonged to Linsey Smith, who, despite being just four months into her ODI career, showed no nerves on the big stage. On being asked to open the bowling, a decision she was informed of the day prior, Smith said, "I definitely felt the pressure and the nerves coming into this. But to start the competition how I have, and put in a performance for the team to get a big win, is something I'm really happy with... I enjoy the competition and the toughness of it and I'm glad that it came off today."
