Linsey Smith’s impressive new-ball performance set the stage for England Women as they dismissed South Africa Women for just 69 in 20.4 overs, marking the Proteas’ second-lowest total in ODI World Cup history in the fourth match of the Women’s World Cup 2025 at Baraspara Stadium on Friday.
South Africa’s 69 all out, though, is not the lowest total in Women’s World Cup matches.
Lowest All-Out Totals For South Africa Women In ODIs:
| Score | Opponent | Venue | Year / Tournament |
|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | New Zealand | Bowral | 2009 World Cup |
| 63 | Pakistan | Potchefstroom | 2019 |
| 69 | England | Guwahati | 2025 World Cup* |
| 75 | Bangladesh | Mirpur | 2012 |
| 77 | England | Cuttack | 2013 World Cup |
Lowest Totals In Women’s ODI World Cup:
| Team | Score | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 27 | Australia | 1997 |
| Netherlands | 29 | Australia | 1988 |
| India | 37 | New Zealand | 1982 |
| Netherlands | 40 | New Zealand | 1993 |
| Denmark | 47 | England | 1993 |
How England Bowled Out South Africa for 69?
After choosing to bowl first, England struck quickly through Smith, who removed both openers in her first two overs. She first dismissed South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt for 5 with a sharp caught-and-bowled chance before cleaning up Tazmin Brits, also for 5. Lauren Bell then added to the early damage by knocking over Sune Luus for 2.
Smith wasn’t done yet, and her control
with the new ball earned her a third wicket as she sent back Marizanne Kapp for 4, leaving South Africa in deep trouble. From there, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took charge, striking twice in quick succession to remove Anneke Bosch (6) and Chloe Tryon (2), reducing the innings to a desperate 38 for 6 by the 11th over.
Despite a determined effort from wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta, who top-scored with 22 off 36 balls, the collapse continued. She too fell in the 18th over, bowled by Sophie Ecclestone, whose left-arm spin claimed Nadine de Klerk (3) and Jafta, finishing with figures of 2 for 19. Charlie Dean wrapped up the tail with 2 for 14, while Bell ended with 1 for 24.
The collective effort, however, was highlighted by Smith’s brilliant figures of 3 for 7 in just five overs, which dismantled South Africa’s top order and ensured the Proteas never recovered. Sciver-Brunt chipped in with a miserly 2 for 5, underscoring England’s total dominance.
With South Africa folded for 69, England’s batters now face a modest target to chase and the opportunity to finish the job quickly, potentially giving their net run rate a healthy boost in this World Cup campaign.
(With inputs from Agencies)
