Ruthless English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

The English won by a perfect margin

The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a poor display which saw South Africa bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

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

Amy Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, finishing with their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

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

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed careful approach to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their net run-rate would be improved irrespective 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, suggesting that the team were realizing an error with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

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 rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"There is huge talent in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. 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 swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

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