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In a stunning beginning to their World Cup, England clinched a decisive 10-wicket win on Friday, following removing their opponents for a paltry 69 runs in only 20.4 overs – constituting the third lowest total in the South African annals.

Surprising Performance from South Africa

Although South Africa showing as a powerful presence in global women’s cricket of late, having reached the title decider of the T20 tournament last year and appearing in the penultimate round of the last 50-over competition, this performance was baffling and humiliating. Solely one batter, keeper Sinalo Jafta, reached double figures, and multiple of their batters were dismissed bowled on a good pitch that infrequently played unpredictably.

The English Overpowering Response

Answering, the English new-look opening pair of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made short work of the chase, wrapping up the contest with a huge number to spare – their opening World Cup victory earned in just under three hours. Perhaps of greater significance in what could be a close round-robin tournament, England’s net run rate is now a excellent 3.77.

Bowling Defines the Standard

Following the English team took the toss and inserted South Africa, Linsey Smith’s starting burst laid the foundation, the spin bowler recording a remarkable performance of 4-2-7-3 in her debut 50-over World Cup match. She took a smart self-taken catch to dismiss South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, before drifting the ball in to bowl Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Captain’s Ideal Return

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on as initial replacement and experienced a dream return to international bowling duties, catching Anneke Bosch plumb in front with her opening ball since January’s Ashes series. In her subsequent over, Chloe Tryon offered a tame chance to Alice Capsey at mid-on, as South Africa fell to 38 for six within the initial 11 overs.

In light of Sciver-Brunt’s measured recovery to bowling form over the past nine months, there had been questions as to how many overs she could bowl in this game, with England opting to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb to some extent to make sure there were back-up bowling cover.

Precise Finish

Yet a short stint were sufficient of Sciver-Brunt: a duo of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean neatly dispatched the Proteas' remaining batters. Heather Knight, returning after a extended fight with a hamstring injury, looked ready: she was not needed with the batting duties on this day, but grabbed a quick chest-high grab at the slips which brought an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Barely Examined

England’s fielding display – so often scrutinized currently – was scarcely tested here. Conversely it was South Africa who bungled the possibility to run out Jones in the early stages, while Masabata Klaas put down a straightforward return catch proffered up by Jones on 31 – the Proteas' prime opportunity of claiming a dismissal. On the contrary, Jones persisted to loft the ball through the off-side, ending unbeaten on 40. World Cup the game has seldom been this straightforward.