Commanding English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

The English won by 10 wickets

England dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, ending on their respective scores.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, England needed a strong start 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 others joined in.

Bell 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 returned a simple catch.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, 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 careful approach to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their net run-rate would be improved regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, implying South Africa were realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair paired again and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

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

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is probable that the rest of the group stages will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling 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 bring varied skills of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper 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 put this behind us."