Dominant English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

England bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

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

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, ending on 40 and 21.

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

They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in high humidity and gave away early runs, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

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

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when another batter was well caught at slip.

The Proteas' display was suggestive of an uneven pitch, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

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

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the pair.

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.

Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams battling for knockout places.

Slow bowler and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."

"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

"She 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: "This isn't how we wanted to begin the campaign."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."