Ruthless English side Demolish Proteas in World Cup First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

Proteas 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Spinner 3-7

English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Beaumont 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 global tournament campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

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

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

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated 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 returned a simple catch.

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

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter trapped lbw.

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

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed careful approach 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 faced the experienced Kapp.

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

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top 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 uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and player of the match 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 team."

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

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

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

"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."