Ruthless English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

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

England 73-0 (14.1 overs): Opener 40* (50), Beaumont 21* (35)

England won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

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

Skipper Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, finishing with 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by Smith leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

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 Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was suggestive 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 boosted regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner Tryon shared the new ball, implying South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

The opening pair reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the duo.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is probable that the rest of the group stages will see key teams battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased 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 bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."