🔗 Share this article

In a stunning opener to their World Cup, the English side secured a resounding 10-wicket triumph on the opening day, after dismissing South Africa for a meager 69 runs in only 20.4 overs – representing the third poorest total in their history.

Surprising Performance from the Proteas

Despite South Africa showing as a strong presence in world the women's game of late, after reaching the final of the short-format World Cup last year and featuring in the penultimate round of the most recent 50-over tournament, this display was baffling and humiliating. Only one batter, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, managed double figures, and six of their batters were clean bowled on a decent pitch that rarely behaved inconsistently.

England’s Commanding Chase

Responding, England’s fresh starting duo of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made short work of the pursuit, finishing the match with 215 balls left – their opening World Cup success achieved in barely three hours. Possibly even more critical in what may prove a competitive preliminary event, the English net run rate is now a impressive 3.77.

Bowling Sets the Standard

Following England took the toss and put in South Africa, Linsey Smith’s initial overs laid the foundation, the slow left-armer achieving a outstanding performance of 4-2-7-3 in her debut 50-over World Cup match. She claimed a smart return catch to see off South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, before floating the ball in to rattle the stumps Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Captain’s Perfect Reappearance

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt brought herself on as first-change and had a perfect comeback to international bowling duties, trapping Anneke Bosch LBW with her initial delivery since the Ashes series. In her following over, Chloe Tryon sent up a weak catch to Alice Capsey at mid-on, as South Africa sunk to 38 for six within the opening 11 overs.

In light of Sciver-Brunt’s slow recovery to bowling form over the last nine months, there had been some debate as to the number of overs she might manage in this game, with the team opting to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb partly to ensure there were reserve bowling cover.

Clinical Conclusion

However a short stint were enough of Sciver-Brunt: a combination of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean neatly finished off the South African lower order. Heather Knight, returning after a lengthy fight with a leg problem, looked ready: she was not required with the batting duties on this instance, but took a reflex shoulder-height chance at the slips which put an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Barely Examined

England’s fielding effort – frequently watched closely nowadays – was hardly tested here. Instead it was the opposition who bungled the chance to dismiss Jones early on, while Masabata Klaas put down a straightforward return catch given by Jones on 31 – the Proteas' best chance of securing a breakthrough. Rather, Jones kept on to drive the ball straight, concluding unbeaten on 40. World Cup play has rarely been so easy.