Women's Cricket World Cup, Guwahati
Proteas 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
England dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a dominant 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of Laura Wolvaardt, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.
Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a poor display which saw the Proteas bundled out for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her first competitive bowling spell since a major series, while slow bowlers Sophie Ecclestone and 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 tricky surface, ending on their respective scores.
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, overwhelming the opposition which was magnificently set up by Smith leading the way, and the rest followed suit.
Bell had the unenviable task of starting the attack in high humidity and conceded a couple of boundaries, but Smith quickly regained control as the captain chipped the ball straight back.
Smith 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 immediately silenced those doubts with Bosch dismissed leg-before.
The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, three of them to Jafta, but their chances faded when another batter was taken in the slips.
Jones and Beaumont Coast to Win
South Africa's performance was suggestive 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 improved irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were very few risks taken as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.
Occasional bowler Tryon opened from the other end, implying the team were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.
Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top 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, far from her fluent best on the tricky pitch, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.
With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is probable that the remaining matches will see key teams battling for knockout places.
England's Perfect Start - What They Said
England spinner and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a difficult task but the conditions suited me and I am happy I did well."
"There is huge talent in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a team."
Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused 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 very important to break that opening partnership."
South Africa captain Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to begin the campaign."
"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will put this behind us."
