Commanding England Overwhelm Proteas in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

The English won by a perfect margin

England bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a poor display which saw South Africa dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on their respective scores.

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

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

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity and gave away early runs, but Smith quickly regained control as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

Smith was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was suggestive of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner Tryon shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were realizing an error 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 duo.

Beaumont 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 rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is probable that the rest of the group stages 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 difficult task but the conditions suited 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 unit."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."