Dominant England Demolish South Africa in World Cup First Match

Women's Cricket 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), Beaumont 21* (35)

The English won by a perfect margin

England bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

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

Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by Smith setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith immediately dragged things back as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by dismissing the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp 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 a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when another batter was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance 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 regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

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.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and player of the match Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the pitch helped 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 captain's dream."

"She 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 not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."