Commanding England Thrash South Africa in World Cup First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

Proteas 69 (20.4 overs): Top scorer 22 (36); Spinner 3-7

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

The English won by 10 wickets

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

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance 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 spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, finishing with their respective scores.

Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, the team needed a strong start to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

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 challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the key batter and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when another batter was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed careful approach to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Chasing such a low total 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.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder opened from the other end, implying the team were realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair paired again and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift 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.

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

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the pitch helped me and I am happy 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."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it 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 suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

"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."