Last Updated:
Linsey Smith led England’s spinners to crush South Africa for 69 runs, securing a 10-wicket win in their ICC Women’s World Cup opener. Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont sealed the chase
Led by Linsey Smith, England’s relentless spinners helped them outclass South Africa by 10 wickets, making a strong start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign on Friday.
Once the Smith-led England bowlers dismissed South Africa for a mere 69 runs, the match’s outcome was never in doubt. Smith took 3/7 in the demolition.
England reached the target in just 14.1 overs, with openers Amy Jones (40) and Tammy Beaumont (21) ensuring an easy victory.
Although there was some swing and bite for the bowlers during South Africa’s innings, England’s batters avoided any mishaps.
Veteran pacer Marizanne Kapp bowled a few excellent deliveries to Beaumont, but defending such a low total was impossible with solitary moments of brilliance.
The real heroes were England’s spinners — Smith, Sophie Ecclestone (2/19), and Charlie Dean (2/14) — who set up an effortless chase for their team.
Left-arm spinner Smith led the charge with three wickets, as South Africa recorded their second-lowest total in the ICC Women’s World Cup.
On a pitch offering some grip to the bowlers, England opted to field and handed the ball to Smith (4-2-7-3) in the second over, a decision that paid off immediately.
Smith dismissed South Africa’s skipper Laura Wolvaardt in the second ball of the second over with an easy return catch.
Smith struck again in the fourth over, removing Tazmin Brits with a delivery that came in at an angle, and in the sixth over, she ousted the experienced Kapp.
Kapp’s tentative forward push missed the ball, and Smith’s delivery crashed into the stumps.
Pacer Lauren Bell accounted for Sune Luus, leaving South Africa tottering at 19 for four within the first six overs, and they never recovered from that point.
With Kapp, Luus, and Brits, South Africa’s most consistent batters, dismissed early, the pressure fell on their middle-order to achieve a respectable total.
However, they failed to rise to the occasion, succumbing to a slightly sluggish pitch and precise England bowlers.
England skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt (2/5), who took over bowling duties after a short while, compounded South Africa’s woes by dismissing Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk, ending any chances of a late fightback.
Sinalo Jafta was the only South African batter to reach double digits, highlighting their struggles.
Wicketkeeper batter Jafta (22) showed some resistance but only managed to prevent South Africa from recording their lowest total in the ICC Women’s World Cup, which remains 51.
Brief scores:
South Africa 69 all out in 20.4 overs (Sinalo Jafta 22; Linsey Smith 3/7, Nat Sciver-Brunt 2/5, Sophie Ecclestone 2/19, Charlie Dean 2/14) lost to England 73 for no loss; 14.1 overs (Tammy Beautmont 21 not out, Amy Jones 40 not out) by 10 wickets.
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Read More
The postLinsey Smith Spins England To Dominant 10-Wicket Win Over South Africa | Cricket News appeared first on News18
