Commanding England Thrash Proteas in World Cup First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the standout performer 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 bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, finishing with their respective scores.

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against a strong opponent, the team needed a strong start to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

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

Bell had the challenging role of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

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

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when another batter was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was suggestive of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be improved irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

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

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the duo.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the remaining matches will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted 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 learning and growing 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 captain's dream."

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

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"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."