Ruthless English side Demolish South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

England bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a poor display which saw South Africa dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

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

Amy Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, finishing with 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against India, England needed a strong start to their first major challenge under new leadership.

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner quickly regained control as the captain returned a simple catch.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the key batter and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

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

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

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be boosted irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were realizing an error with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the pair.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and top performer 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 proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused 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 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."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will move on quickly."