Commanding English side Thrash Proteas in Global Tournament Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa 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 spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as the captain returned a simple catch.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

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

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder opened from the other end, suggesting that South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

Beaumont 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.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

England spinner and player of the match Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a team."

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

"Linsey Smith played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will move on quickly."