Commanding English side Demolish Proteas in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

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

English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)

The English won by 10 wickets

England bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of captain, top-order batter Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over the captain's bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when another batter was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed careful approach to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be improved regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, implying South Africa were realizing an error with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

She was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and player of the match Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the pitch helped me and I am happy I did well."

"There is huge talent in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."