Dominant English side Thrash Proteas in Global Tournament Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

England bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory 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 one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, ending on 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition 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.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as the captain returned a simple catch.

She was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by dismissing the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, 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 patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be improved regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

The opening pair paired again and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands 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 control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is probable that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and player of the match Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am happy I did well."

"There is huge talent 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."

"She played to her skills. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain 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 resilience before and we will put this behind us."