Commanding English side Demolish 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), Beaumont 21* (35)

The English won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Brits and star all-rounder.

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

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total 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 setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity 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 rewarded by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over the captain's bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed careful approach 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 very few risks taken as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder opened from the other end, implying the team were realizing an error with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the duo.

She was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is probable that the remaining matches will see key teams 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 difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am happy I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a unit."

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

"She played to her skills. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

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