Dominant England Overwhelm Proteas in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

England 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Beaumont 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 ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Spin bowler Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a poor display which saw South Africa bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against a strong opponent, the team needed a strong start to their first major challenge under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of opening the bowling in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded 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 dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when another batter was well caught at slip.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed patience and discipline 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 negotiated 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 consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the pair.

Beaumont was not at her best, below her usual standard 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 probable that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack 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 offer different parts of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a team."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it 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 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 remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."