Ruthless English side Demolish Proteas in Global Tournament First Match

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)

The English won by a perfect margin

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

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo 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 first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

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

After the Ashes demolition and losses against a strong opponent, England needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

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

Bell had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by dismissing the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

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

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be improved regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler Tryon shared the new ball, suggesting that the team 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 comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the duo.

Beaumont 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.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams battling for knockout places.

England spinner and player of the match Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the conditions suited 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: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."

South Africa captain 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 resilience before and we will move on quickly."