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Through a powerful beginning to their World Cup, the English side clinched a comprehensive 10-wicket triumph on Friday, after removing South Africa for a paltry 69 runs in only 20.4 overs – representing the third smallest total in their annals.

Shocking Display from the Proteas

Despite South Africa showing as a powerful presence in international the women's game of late, following their the title decider of the short-format World Cup last year and making the last four of the last 50-over event, this performance was baffling and embarrassing. Only one player, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, attained double figures, and multiple of their batters were dismissed bowled on a fair pitch that rarely played erratically.

England’s Commanding Reply

In reply, England’s fresh opening pair of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made short work of the pursuit, wrapping up the game with a huge number remaining – England's first World Cup win secured in less than three hours. Perhaps more importantly in what could be a competitive round-robin event, the English net run rate is now a more-than-healthy 3.77.

Bowling Effort Sets the Tone

Following England won the toss and inserted South Africa, Linsey Smith’s starting burst established dominance, the slow left-armer recording a outstanding return of 4-2-7-3 in her maiden 50-over World Cup fixture. She took a clever self-taken catch to dismiss the captain Laura Wolvaardt, before floating the ball in to hit the wickets Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Captain’s Ideal Return

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt introduced herself as first bowling change and had a ideal reappearance to top-level bowling, trapping Anneke Bosch plumb in front with her first ball since the Ashes series. In her next over, Chloe Tryon sent up a weak catch to Alice Capsey at mid-on, as South Africa sunk to 38 for six within the opening 11 overs.

In light of Sciver-Brunt’s measured return to bowling readiness over the last nine months, there had been questions as to how many overs she could bowl in this match, with the team choosing to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb partly to ensure there were alternative bowling options.

Precise Wrap-up

Yet a short stint were all that was required of Sciver-Brunt: a duo of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean effectively dispatched the Proteas' tail. Heather Knight, making a comeback after a extended battle with a leg problem, looked raring to go: she was not needed with the batting on this occasion, but did hold onto a quick shoulder-height catch at slip which brought an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Under Tested

England’s fielding effort – frequently under the spotlight these days – was barely challenged here. Rather it was the opposition who missed the chance to dismiss Jones at the start, while Masabata Klaas missed a simple caught and bowled chance proffered up by Jones on 31 – the Proteas' top opening of securing a dismissal. Rather, Jones continued to hit the ball straight, finishing unbeaten on 40. World Cup cricket has never been so easy.