Ruthless English side Demolish 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

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

England won by a perfect margin

The English side dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, finishing with their respective scores.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.

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

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

She was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner Tryon opened from the other end, suggesting that the team were realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair paired again and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the duo.

She was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, 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 key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am proud I did well."

"There is huge talent in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused 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."

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

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."