Commanding England Overwhelm Proteas in World Cup First Match

Women's Cricket 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)

England won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of captain, in-form opener Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since a major series, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, finishing with their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition 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 Smith leading the way, and others joined in.

Bell had the challenging role of opening the bowling in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an uneven pitch, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be improved regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler Tryon shared the new ball, implying South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

The opening pair paired again and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the duo.

Beaumont was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia 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 top performer Smith: "I am really delighted 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 bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."

"She played to her skills. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

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

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."