Commanding English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Spinner 3-7

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

The English won by 10 wickets

England bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a poor display which saw South Africa dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, ending on 40 and 21.

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against India, England needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner setting the tone, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by dismissing the key batter and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.

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

South Africa's performance 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 scoring rate would be improved regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the pair.

She was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge but the conditions suited me and I am happy 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."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

"She played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."

South Africa captain Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

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