Dominant English side Demolish South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

Proteas 69 (20.4 overs): Top scorer 22 (36); Smith 3-7

England 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Partner 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 Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

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

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with their respective scores.

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

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by Smith setting the tone, and others joined in.

Bell had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith quickly regained control as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

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

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch 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.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

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 comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the duo.

Beaumont was not at her best, below her usual standard on the uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

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

Slow bowler and player of the match Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling 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 team."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

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