Ruthless England Thrash South Africa in World Cup Opener

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Smith 3-7

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

England won by 10 wickets

The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in the host city.

Spin bowler Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with their respective scores.

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

They delivered with a statement win, 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 opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner quickly regained control as the captain chipped the ball straight back.

She was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the in-form Brits and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.

There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

South Africa only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was well caught at slip.

South Africa's performance 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 improved irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their team choice.

The opening pair paired again and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.

She was a little scratchy, 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 remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.

England spinner and player of the match Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge 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 team."

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."

"She played to her skills. She can move it and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will move on quickly."