Ruthless England Thrash Proteas in World Cup Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

England dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with their respective scores.

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against a strong opponent, the team needed a strong start to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.

They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by Smith setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

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 chipped the ball straight back.

She was unwavering in accuracy and was successful by bowling the key batter and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, 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 boosted irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

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

Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory 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 rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

England spinner and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the conditions suited 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 unit."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"Linsey Smith played to her skills. 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."

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