Commanding English side Overwhelm South Africa in Global Tournament Opener
Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati
South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Top scorer 22 (36); Smith 3-7
English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Opener 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)
The English won by 10 wickets
The English side bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in Guwahati.
Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of captain, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.
Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a poor display which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in just 20.4 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 Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with their respective scores.
Spinners Seal Ideal Opening
Following earlier setbacks and losses against a strong opponent, the team needed a strong start to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.
They delivered with a statement win, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by Smith setting the tone, and others joined in.
The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.
She was unwavering in accuracy and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.
Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch trapped lbw.
The Proteas only managed six boundaries, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was well caught at slip.
Jones and Beaumont Coast to Victory
The Proteas' display was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.
Pursuing a small target meant that their net run-rate would be improved irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the seasoned bowler.
Occasional bowler the all-rounder opened from the other end, suggesting that South Africa were realizing an error with their selection.
The opening pair paired again and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the pair.
She was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by keeping the scoreboard ticking.
With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.
England's Perfect Start - Post-Match Reactions
Slow bowler and player of the match Linsey Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am proud I did well."
"There is huge talent in the squad. We all offer different parts 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 ideal scenario."
"She played to her skills. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."
Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."
"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."
