Dominant England Thrash South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

The English won by 10 wickets

England dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a poor display which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy 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, the team needed a strong start to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith 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 immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was suggestive 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 scoring rate would be boosted irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that South Africa were realizing an error with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see key teams battling for knockout places.

England spinner and top performer 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 offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing 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 ideal scenario."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."

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