Commanding English side Thrash Proteas in World Cup Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

The English side dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of captain, in-form opener Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

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

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, ending on their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against India, England needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by Smith setting the tone, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

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

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

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

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be boosted regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder opened from the other end, suggesting that South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the pair.

She was not at her best, far from her fluent best 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 rest of the group stages will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task 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 unit."

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

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."