Women's Cricket World Cup, Indian venue
South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Smith 3-7
English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)
England won by 10 wickets
England dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in Guwahati.
Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and star all-rounder.
Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.
Jones and Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, ending on their respective scores.
Spinners Seal Ideal Opening
Following earlier setbacks and losses against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under fresh captaincy.
They delivered with a statement win, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by the spinner leading the way, and others joined in.
The pace bowler had the challenging role of opening the bowling in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt returned a simple catch.
She was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by dismissing the key batter and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.
There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she quickly dispelled concerns with a batter trapped lbw.
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.
Jones and Beaumont Coast to Win
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 experienced Kapp.
Part-time spinner the all-rounder opened from the other end, implying South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.
The opening pair paired again and began strongly with consistent partnerships earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a positive morale lift for the pair.
Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.
Given strong opponents as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the rest of the group stages will see key teams battling for knockout places.
Ideal Opening - What They Said
Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I am really delighted 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 learning and growing as a unit."
England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."
"Linsey Smith played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was really crucial to break that opening partnership."
Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how 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."
