Commanding English side Overwhelm South Africa in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a poor display which saw the Proteas dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against a strong opponent, the team 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 others joined in.

The pace bowler had the challenging role of opening the bowling 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 dismissing the in-form Brits and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded 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 net run-rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder shared the new ball, implying the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence 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 top contenders, it is probable that the rest of the group stages will see key teams battling for knockout places.

England spinner and player of the match Linsey 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 improving and developing as a team."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to break that opening partnership."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."