Dominant England Demolish South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

The English won by 10 wickets

The English side bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, ending on their respective scores.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, England needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by Smith setting the tone, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

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.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

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

Pursuing a small target meant that their net run-rate would be boosted irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

She was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and player of the match Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a team."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."

"Linsey Smith played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to break that opening partnership."

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how 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."