Commanding England 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

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

England won by 10 wickets

England dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter 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.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, ending on 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their key tournament under new leadership.

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

Bell had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as the captain returned a simple catch.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over the captain's bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed patience and discipline 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 negotiated the seasoned bowler.

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

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

She was not at her best, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

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

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack 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 improving and developing as a unit."

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

"She stuck to her strengths. 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: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."