Dominant England Thrash Proteas in World Cup Opener

ICC Women's 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)

England won by a perfect margin

England dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

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

Amy Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, ending on their respective scores.

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

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by Smith setting the tone, and others joined in.

Bell had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity and gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display 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 scoring rate would be improved regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder 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 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 control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the conditions suited 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 improving and developing as a team."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

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

Proteas skipper Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."

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