Commanding English side Thrash South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

The English won by a perfect margin

England dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Spin bowler Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of captain, top-order batter Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a poor display 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 first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, ending on 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against a strong opponent, the team needed a strong start to their key tournament under new leadership.

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

Doubts existed over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when another batter was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target 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.

Part-time spinner Tryon opened from the other end, implying South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

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, 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 England, South Africa and New Zealand 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 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 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 stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."