Commanding England Overwhelm South Africa in World Cup First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

South Africa 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 bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in the host city.

Spin bowler Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of captain, in-form opener Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

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

Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, finishing with their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against a strong opponent, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated 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 gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as the captain returned a simple catch.

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 the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, suggesting that South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams 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 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 improving and developing as a team."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused 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 very important to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."