ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati
South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Smith 3-7
English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Opener 40* (50), Beaumont 21* (35)
England won by a perfect margin
The English side dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their Women's World Cup campaign with a dominant comprehensive victory in Guwahati.
Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the standout performer with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Brits and star all-rounder.
Sinalo Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in under 21 overs.
Skipper Sciver-Brunt took two wickets in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while spinners Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.
Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having begun carefully on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.
Spinners Seal England's Perfect Start
Following earlier setbacks and series defeats against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their first major challenge under new leadership.
They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by Smith setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.
The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as the captain returned a simple catch.
Smith was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.
There was a question mark over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch trapped lbw.
The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their hopes ended when de Klerk was taken in the slips.
Openers Ease to Victory
South Africa's performance was suggestive of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.
Pursuing a small target meant that their net run-rate would be improved irrespective of how aggressively they played, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the experienced Kapp.
Part-time spinner Tryon opened from the other end, suggesting that South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.
The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a 10-wicket win is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.
She was a little scratchy, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to control her aggression by rotating the strike effectively.
With India and Australia as top contenders, it is likely that the remaining matches will see England, South Africa and New Zealand battling for knockout places.
Ideal Opening - What They Said
Slow bowler and top performer Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the conditions suited me and I am happy I did well."
"There is huge talent in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a team."
England captain Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was fully focused in the field. A few first ball wickets as well. A ideal scenario."
"Linsey Smith stuck to her strengths. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to dismiss the openers."
South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how 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."
