Ruthless England Thrash Proteas in Global Tournament Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

England dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in the host city.

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

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

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

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

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and others joined in.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in high humidity and gave away early runs, but the spinner quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by dismissing the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over the captain's bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when another batter was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be improved irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, implying the team were realizing an error with their selection.

The opening pair reunited at the top and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the pair.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents 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 player of the match Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."

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

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

"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."