Dominant English side Overwhelm Proteas in Global Tournament First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, 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 third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, ending on their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against a strong opponent, the team needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by Smith leading the way, 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 Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

Doubts existed over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

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

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner Tryon shared the new ball, suggesting that South Africa were realizing an error with their team choice.

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

Beaumont 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.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, 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 player of the match Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack 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 learning and growing as a unit."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."