Ruthless English side Thrash Proteas in World Cup First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

The English won by 10 wickets

The English side bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in the host city.

Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a poor display which saw the Proteas bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

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

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling 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 a batter trapped lbw.

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

South Africa's performance was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be boosted irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler Tryon shared the new ball, implying the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands 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 tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is probable that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge but the conditions suited me and I am happy I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a unit."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."

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

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

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will move on quickly."