England make World Cup statement by dismantling South Africa in opener

England opened their Women’s Cricket World Cup campaign in style with a thumping 10-wicket win over South Africa.

After winning the toss and opting to field first, England got off to a sensational start, skittling the Proteas for just 69 runs. Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowling attack as she took three for seven.

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Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures in a bleak display for South Africa, before Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones eased to their 70-run target to claim a first win of the competition.

England’s attention now turns to their next game, which takes place on Tuesday against Bangladesh.

An extraordinary start saw South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt caught and bowled by Smith in the second over, and the spinner claimed her second scalp in the fourth after bowling Tazmin Brits.

Seamer Lauren Bell bowled Sune Luus the following over, before Smith soon bagged her third, bowling Marizanne Kapp as South Africa plunged to 19 for four.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt then dismissed Anneke Bosch and Chloe Tryon in quick succession, and the wickets kept tumbling as Nadine de Klerk was caught by Heather Knight off Sophie Ecclestone.

England’s spinners were able to quickly finish off South Africa’s innings inside 21 overs when Charlie Dean bowled both Masabata Klaas and Nonkululeko Mlaba, either side of Ecclestone’s dismissal of Jafta, who had provided a faint glimmer of hope with her stubborn 22.

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Openers Beaumont and Jones safely navigated a chase of 70 with 215 balls remaining, Jones ending up with 40 and Beaumont 21.

“I definitely felt the pressure and the nerves coming into this, but to start the competition how I have and put in a performance for the team to get a big win is something I’m really happy with,” Smith told a post-match press conference.

“I always want to contribute as much as I can to team wins. It’s early days in my ODI career, which is something I’ve really strived towards, so I’m just delighted I could help the team win today.

“I found out yesterday [that I was opening the bowling], which was nice, bit of a heads-up. I’ve done a bit of it for my regional team back home, so nothing I’m too surprised by. I think it suits my bowling well, obviously, I do it a lot in T20s as well. I’m not a stranger to it, I enjoy the competition and the toughness of it. I’m glad it came off today.

“We spoke about getting off on the right foot here and putting in a really good performance for the first game and taking that momentum in. We’re not going to get too carried away or look too far ahead; Bangladesh next game is another tough challenge and something we’ll reflect on and plan towards over the next few days.”

PA