Dominant England Demolish South Africa in World Cup First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

Proteas 69 (20.4 overs): Top scorer 22 (36); Smith 3-7

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

The English won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for just 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 Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by Smith 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 Smith immediately dragged things back as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy 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 the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be improved irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, suggesting that the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

She was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the remaining matches will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the pitch helped 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 improving and developing as a unit."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused 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 Laura 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 fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."