Dominant English side Thrash Proteas in World Cup First Match

Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue

Proteas 69 (20.4 overs): Top scorer 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 made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in Guwahati.

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with impressive figures, dismissing key batters of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to score above ten in a poor display which saw South Africa bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.

Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since a major series, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.

Amy Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.

After the Ashes demolition and losses against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their first major challenge under new leadership.

They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.

Bell had the challenging role of starting the attack in tough conditions and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith quickly regained control as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.

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

Doubts existed over the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch trapped lbw.

South Africa only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was taken in the slips.

The Proteas' display was indicative of an uneven pitch, but England's openers showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.

Pursuing a small target meant that their scoring rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were very few risks taken as they faced the experienced Kapp.

Occasional bowler the all-rounder shared the new ball, implying the team were realizing an error with their team choice.

The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.

She was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best 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 probable that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand scrapping for the last two semi-final spots.

Slow bowler and player of the match Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Opening the bowling was a difficult task but the conditions suited 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."

England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."

"She stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."

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

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