Ruthless English side Overwhelm Proteas in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Spinner 3-7

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

England won by 10 wickets

England bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with their respective scores.

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

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity and gave away early runs, but Smith quickly regained control as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, 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 irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder opened from the other end, implying South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and began strongly with consistent partnerships 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 keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see key teams battling for knockout places.

England spinner and top performer Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge but the conditions suited me and I am happy 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 fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."

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

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 move on quickly."