Commanding English side Thrash Proteas in Global Tournament Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

England dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

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

Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a poor display which saw the Proteas bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since a major series, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, ending on 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 magnificently set up by the spinner leading the way, and others joined in.

Bell had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in high humidity and gave away early runs, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by dismissing the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when another batter was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed careful approach to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be improved regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

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

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

She was not at her best, below her usual standard 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 key teams battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused 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 really crucial to break that opening partnership."

South Africa captain 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."