Dominant England Thrash Proteas in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

The English won by a perfect margin

England dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa dismissed for their one of their lowest scores 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 Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

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

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

She was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the in-form Brits and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be improved irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Part-time spinner Tryon shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win 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 rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is probable that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

England spinner and player of the match Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge but the conditions suited me and I am proud 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 team."

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

"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 break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper 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."