Ruthless England Thrash South Africa in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Top scorer 22 (36); Smith 3-7

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

England won by 10 wickets

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

Spin bowler Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a poor display which saw the Proteas bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Captain Nat 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.

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

Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, England needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but Smith quickly regained control as the captain returned a simple catch.

She was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed careful approach to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder shared the new ball, implying South Africa were realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair paired again and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the duo.

She was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

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.

England spinner and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am happy I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a unit."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will move on quickly."