Commanding English side Demolish South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)

The English won by 10 wickets

The English side dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, in-form opener 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 Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against a strong opponent, the team needed a strong start to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by Smith leading the way, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by dismissing the key batter and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when another batter was well caught at slip.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an uneven pitch, but England's openers showed careful approach to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-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 opened from the other end, implying the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

The opening pair paired again and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the duo.

She was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and player of the match Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the pitch helped me and I am happy 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 unit."

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 swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper 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 resilience before and we will put this behind us."