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In a stunning start to their campaign, England clinched a resounding 10-wicket victory on the opening day, after removing their opponents for a paltry 69 runs in only 20.4 overs – constituting the third smallest total in their history.

Surprising Display from South Africa

Even though the Proteas showing as a formidable team in global the women's game of late, after reaching the final of the T20 tournament last year and making the last four of the previous 50-over tournament, this display was baffling and humiliating. Only one batter, keeper Sinalo Jafta, managed double figures, and multiple of their batters were clean bowled on a fair pitch that infrequently acted inconsistently.

England’s Overpowering Chase

In reply, the English fresh opening pair of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones quickly finished of the pursuit, finishing the contest with 215 balls remaining – England's opening World Cup success achieved in just under three hours. Perhaps of greater significance in what may prove a tight preliminary competition, England’s net run rate is now a more-than-healthy 3.77.

Bowling Effort Sets the Tone

Following the English team took the toss and put in South Africa, Linsey Smith’s starting burst established dominance, the spin bowler recording a remarkable performance of 4-2-7-3 in her maiden 50-over World Cup fixture. She claimed a sharp self-taken catch to see off the captain Laura Wolvaardt, before turning the ball in to bowl Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Skipper’s Perfect Reappearance

Leader Nat Sciver-Brunt came on as first bowling change and experienced a dream return to top-level bowling duties, dismissing Anneke Bosch LBW with her initial delivery since January’s Ashes series. In her following over, Chloe Tryon offered a soft leading edge to Alice Capsey at mid-on, as South Africa sunk to 38 for six within the initial 11 overs.

Given Sciver-Brunt’s measured comeback to bowling form over the last nine months, there had been some debate as to how many overs she would handle in this match, with England deciding to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb in part to guarantee there were reserve bowling options.

Precise Conclusion

However a brief spell were sufficient of Sciver-Brunt: a combination of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean neatly dispatched the Proteas' lower order. Heather Knight, returning after a extended fight with a muscle issue, looked raring to go: she was not required with the batting duties on this day, but grabbed a quick chest-high catch at first slip which brought an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Performance Barely Tested

England’s fielding effort – frequently under the spotlight these days – was hardly examined here. Rather it was the opposition who fumbled the opportunity to remove Jones early on, while Masabata Klaas dropped a easy self-taken opportunity given by Jones on 31 – the Proteas' prime opportunity of claiming a dismissal. On the contrary, Jones continued to hit the ball through the off-side, ending remaining on 40. Elite cricket has seldom been this simple.