If you glanced at the numbers – 5, 5, 2, 4, 6, 22, 2, 3, 3, 6, 3, you might mistake it for a mobile number, or maybe even a locker code. But in reality, it was the heartbreaking batting card of South Africa Women as they collapsed spectacularly for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs against a clinical England Women outfit in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
This wasn’t just a defeat. It was a dismantling – a day South Africa will want to forget quickly, and England will cherish as another chapter of dominance in their white-ball legacy.
England bowlers run riot against South Africa at #CWC25 😯
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 3, 2025
Watch all five wickets in the powerplay ➡️ https://t.co/cRbFjeDWAm#ENGvSA pic.twitter.com/a6ibQ7irsh
Batting Collapse of Epic Proportions
It all began with the toss – England won it and put South Africa in to bat. What followed was an innings that fell apart like dominoes.
Only Sinalo Jafta showed any resistance, top-scoring with 22 runs, while ten other batters failed to reach double digits. Even experienced campaigners like Laura Wolvaardt (5), Marizanne Kapp (4), and Sune Luus (2) couldn’t steady the ship.
The score of 69 all out marked:
- South Africa’s second-lowest total in ICC Women’s ODI World Cup history.
- Their third-lowest total in ODI cricket overall.
- The innings lasted just 20.4 overs, the shortest ever for a completed South African innings in the 50-over format.
For a team that has been among the most improved in women’s cricket over the past five years, this was a harsh throwback to older, leaner times.
English Bowlers Turn On the Heat
While South Africa struggled, England’s bowlers were ruthless and relentless. Every over brought pressure, and wickets followed.
Also Read: IND vs WI 1st Test, Day 2: Jadeja, Rahul, Jurel lead India’s charge in Ahmedabad masterclass
