Ruthless England Overwhelm Proteas in Global Tournament First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Smith 3-7

England 73-0 (14.1 overs): Opener 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)

The English won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of captain, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since a major series, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, finishing with 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against a strong opponent, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner leading the way, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of starting the attack in high humidity and gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as the captain returned a simple catch.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over the captain's bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that South Africa were realizing an error with their team choice.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

She was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the pitch helped me and I am proud I did well."

"There is huge talent in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."