Commanding English side Thrash South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

England won by a perfect margin

England bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, in-form opener Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since the Ashes, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, ending on their respective scores.

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

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.

Bell had the challenging role of opening the bowling in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

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 Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

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

Chasing such a low total meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler Tryon shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were realizing an error with their selection.

The opening pair paired again and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the duo.

She was not at her best, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see England, South Africa and New Zealand 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."

"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: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused 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: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."