Commanding England Thrash Proteas in World Cup First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

The English won by a perfect margin

The English side bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of captain, in-form opener Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a poor display which saw the Proteas bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

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

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their key tournament under new leadership.

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

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of starting the attack in high humidity and gave away early runs, but the spinner quickly regained control as the captain returned a simple catch.

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 Bosch dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was well caught at slip.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be improved irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder opened from the other end, suggesting that the team were realizing an error with their team choice.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the pair.

She was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is probable that the remaining matches will see key teams battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge 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 improving and developing as a team."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets 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 dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."