Ruthless England Overwhelm Proteas in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 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 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 Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by Smith setting the tone, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as the captain returned a simple catch.

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

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, 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 patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

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 faced the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder opened from the other end, suggesting that the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the pair.

Beaumont was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, 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. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge 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 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."

"She played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

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

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