Ruthless English side Thrash South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Spin bowler Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper 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.

Jones and Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on 40 and 21.

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

They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by Smith leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner quickly regained control as the captain returned a simple catch.

She was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be improved regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

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

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top 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 uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and player of the match Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased 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 offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a unit."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

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

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how 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 move on quickly."