ICC Women's World Cup, Indian venue
South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Smith 3-7
England 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)
The English won by a perfect margin
The English side bowled South Africa out for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.
Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.
Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a poor display which saw the Proteas dismissed for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.
Captain Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while slow bowlers Ecclestone and Dean also claimed two each.
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.
Slow Bowlers Secure England's Perfect Start
After the Ashes demolition and series defeats against India, the team needed a strong start to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.
They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner setting the tone, and others joined in.
Bell had the challenging role of starting the attack in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but the spinner immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.
She was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the in-form Brits and experienced player with deliveries that beat the bat.
Doubts existed over the captain's bowling fitness, but she immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch dismissed leg-before.
South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when another batter was well caught at slip.
Openers Ease to Victory
South Africa's performance was indicative of an uneven pitch, 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 minimal chances as they faced the experienced Kapp.
Part-time spinner Tryon shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were realizing an error with their team choice.
The opening pair paired again and started exceptionally with consistent partnerships earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.
Beaumont was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is likely that the remaining matches will see key teams battling for knockout places.
England's Perfect Start - Post-Match Reactions
England spinner and top performer Linsey Smith: "I am really delighted with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the conditions suited 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."
Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A captain's dream."
"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was really crucial to dismiss the openers."
South Africa captain Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."
"We underperformed with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."
