Dominant England Thrash Proteas in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

England bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a poor display which saw South Africa dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over the captain's bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when another batter was well caught at slip.

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

Pursuing a small target meant that their net run-rate would be boosted irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, implying the team were realizing an error with their selection.

The opening pair 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.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as top contenders, 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 player of the match Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am happy I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."