"We will bounce back" - Wolvaardt after 10-wicket England defeat
South African captain, Laura Wolvaardt, said the team would “bounce back” after a shocking 10-wicket defeat to England in their opening match at the at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Friday.
South Africa were dismissed for just 69 with left arm spinner Linsey Smith claiming 3-7 in just four overs before England openers Amy Jones (40* from 49 balls) and Tammy Beaumont (21* from 35 balls) cruised to 70-0 in just 14.1 overs.
“They bowled really well and it was just one of those days when the top order failed and middle order failed so, not the ideal way to start the tournament,” Wolvaardt said. “But we have shown resilience with the bat over the last 18 months and I’m confident we will bounce back in the rest of the competition.
“Our preparation was good and there were no demons in the pitch, it was just one of those days when everyone got out early, and that happens in cricket. If you look at the way their openers batted, there was nothing wrong with conditions. As a group we just need to put it behind us and move forward. We are much, much better than 69 all out,” Wolvaardt said.
“If we take this game with us into the next games it’s going to be a very long tournament. We all had good plans, mine was very specific the day before. We faced left arm spin and tried to emulate all of the England bowlers so it was really disappointing to get out to such a soft dismissal. There was some swing and drift early on for Smith but all the England bowlers bowled very well,” Wolvaardt said.
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 3, 2025
An unfortunate outcome in our opening game of the #CWC25.#TheProteas Women will regroup and look to bounce back strongly, with all focus now on the next fixture. 💪🏏#Unbreakable #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/aSx3cMkaXs
South Africa’s second match is against New Zealand at Indore on Monday. India, Australia and England are hot favourites to reach the semifinals with South Africa and New Zealand expected to compete for the last semifinal place. It is a little early in the tournament for a ‘must-win’ game, but it has that feel to it.
SOUTH AFRICA: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (wkt), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba
ENGLAND: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wkt), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
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