Commanding England Demolish South Africa in World Cup First Match

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)

England won by a perfect margin

England dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on their respective scores.

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

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but Smith quickly regained control as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the key batter and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

Doubts existed over the captain's bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when another batter 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 net run-rate would be boosted irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they faced the experienced Kapp.

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

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the duo.

She was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

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'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task 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 learning and growing 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."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

"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."