Commanding England Demolish South Africa in World Cup First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England 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.

Spin bowler Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and 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 their respective scores.

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

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by Smith leading the way, and others joined in.

Bell had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in high humidity and gave away early runs, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over the captain's bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, 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 regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, implying the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the duo.

Beaumont was not at her best, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as top contenders, 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.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the pitch helped me and I am happy I did well."

"There is huge talent in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a team."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to break that opening partnership."

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 fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."