Dominant English side Thrash South Africa in Global Tournament Opener

ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue

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

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

England won by 10 wickets

England bowled South Africa out for just 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup 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, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.

Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a poor display which saw South Africa bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Jones and Tammy Beaumont then cruised to their target in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, finishing with their respective scores.

Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against a strong opponent, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament 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 others joined in.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.

Smith was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by dismissing the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.

Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch dismissed leg-before.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

South Africa's performance was suggestive 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 net run-rate would be improved regardless of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the seasoned bowler.

Part-time spinner the all-rounder opened from the other end, implying the team were realizing an error with their team choice.

Jones and Beaumont paired again and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and top performer Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack 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 bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a unit."

Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."

"She played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."

"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."