Commanding England Overwhelm South Africa in World Cup First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a poor display which saw the Proteas bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since a major series, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Tammy 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 a strong opponent, England needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under new leadership.

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

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of starting the attack in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith immediately dragged things back as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

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

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when another batter was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their net run-rate would be boosted irrespective 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 realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the duo.

She was not at her best, below her usual standard on the uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the remaining matches will see key teams battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and player of the match 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 offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper Wolvaardt: "It is not the way 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 move on quickly."