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Through a powerful start to their campaign, England clinched a decisive 10-wicket win on the opening day, following bowling out South Africa for a paltry 69 runs in merely 20.4 overs – constituting the third smallest total in their record.

Shocking Performance from the Proteas

Even though the Proteas having been a powerful presence in world the women's game recently, following their the title decider of the T20 tournament last year and appearing in the last four of the most recent 50-over tournament, this display was confusing and humiliating. Just a single hitter, gloveman Sinalo Jafta, managed double figures, and six of their batters were bowled out on a decent pitch that infrequently played unpredictably.

The English Overpowering Response

Responding, the English fresh opening pair of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones wasted no time of the target, completing the match with a huge number to spare – their initial World Cup victory earned in barely three hours. Perhaps more importantly in what may prove a close preliminary event, England’s net run rate is now a more-than-healthy 3.77.

Attack Establishes the Pace

After the English team called correctly and chose to bowl the opposition, Linsey Smith’s starting burst established dominance, the spin bowler posting a remarkable performance of 4-2-7-3 in her debut 50-over World Cup game. She grabbed a smart return catch to dismiss South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, before turning the ball in to hit the wickets Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Skipper’s Dream Comeback

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt came on as initial replacement and enjoyed a dream comeback to international bowling, dismissing Anneke Bosch leg-before with her first ball since the Ashes series. In her subsequent over, Chloe Tryon sent up a tame leading edge to Alice Capsey at the on-side, as South Africa sunk to 38 for six within the first 11 overs.

In light of Sciver-Brunt’s gradual comeback to bowling readiness over the previous nine months, there had been discussion as to the number of overs she would handle in this game, with England choosing to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb in part to ensure there were reserve bowling options.

Efficient Conclusion

Yet a short stint were sufficient of Sciver-Brunt: a combination of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean effectively dispatched the Proteas' lower order. Heather Knight, making a comeback after a long battle with a leg problem, looked eager: she was not needed with the batting on this occasion, but did hold onto a sharp chest-high chance at the slips which brought an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Barely Challenged

England’s fielding display – regularly under the spotlight currently – was barely tested here. Conversely it was the opposition who missed the possibility to remove Jones early on, while Masabata Klaas put down a easy caught and bowled chance proffered up by Jones on 31 – South Africa’s top opening of securing a wicket. Rather, Jones kept on to hit the ball straight, concluding not out on 40. World Cup the game has rarely been this simple.