Ruthless English side Demolish Proteas in Global Tournament First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

England 73-0 (14.1 overs): Opener 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)

England won by 10 wickets

The English side bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

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

Following earlier setbacks and losses against a strong opponent, the team needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge 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.

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

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

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

The Proteas' display was indicative of an uneven pitch, but England's openers 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 aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder opened from the other end, implying South Africa were realizing an error with their selection.

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

She was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and player of the match Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task 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 learning and growing as a team."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."

"Linsey Smith played to her skills. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to break that opening partnership."

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

"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."