Dominant English side Demolish South Africa in Global Tournament First Match

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): Opener 40* (50), Beaumont 21* (35)

England won by 10 wickets

The English side dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.

Spin bowler Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Brits and star all-rounder.

Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.

Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a difficult pitch, finishing with 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by Smith leading the way, and the rest followed suit.

The pace bowler had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

Smith was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the key batter and experienced player with balls that drifted through their defences.

There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch trapped lbw.

The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when another batter was well caught at slip.

South Africa's performance was indicative of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to prove that runs were possible.

Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be boosted irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.

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

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

Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.

With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the rest of the group stages will see key teams scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

England spinner and player of the match Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Opening the bowling 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 offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a unit."

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."

"She played to her skills. She can move it and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."

"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."