Ruthless English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

The English won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Spin bowler Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against India, the team needed a positive beginning 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 setting the tone, and others joined in.

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

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over the captain's bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter 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.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an uneven pitch, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

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.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that 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.

Beaumont was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, 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 player of the match Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am proud I did well."

"There is huge talent in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

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