Commanding English side Overwhelm Proteas in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

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

Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a poor display which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

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

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against a strong opponent, England needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith quickly regained control as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by dismissing the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed patience and discipline 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 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 started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the pair.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, 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 England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"There is huge talent in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a team."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets 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: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will move on quickly."