Ruthless English side Demolish Proteas in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

England bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

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

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with their respective scores.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against India, England needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under new leadership.

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

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

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

Doubts existed over the captain's bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch trapped lbw.

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

South Africa's performance was indicative of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, implying the team were realizing an error with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

She was not at her best, below her usual standard on the uneven surface, 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 probable that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the pitch helped 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 unit."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to break that opening partnership."

South Africa captain Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

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