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In a stunning start to their World Cup, the English side clinched a resounding 10-wicket win on the opening day, after bowling out South Africa for a low 69 runs in just 20.4 overs – marking the third smallest total in the South African record.

Surprising Collapse from the Proteas

Despite the Proteas having been a strong force in world the women's game recently, following their the title decider of the short-format World Cup last year and appearing in the penultimate round of the last 50-over tournament, this display was baffling and disappointing. Solely one batter, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, attained double figures, and half a dozen of their players were bowled out on a good pitch that seldom behaved erratically.

England’s Overpowering Response

Answering, England’s new-look opening pair of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones wasted no time of the chase, wrapping up the contest with over 35 overs remaining – their opening World Cup success earned in barely three hours. Maybe more importantly in what may prove a tight round-robin event, the English net run rate is now a excellent 3.77.

Bowling Effort Sets the Standard

After the English team won the toss and put in South Africa, Linsey Smith’s opening spell laid the foundation, the spin bowler recording a exceptional performance of 4-2-7-3 in her maiden 50-over World Cup match. She grabbed a smart caught and bowled to see off South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, before turning the ball in to hit the wickets Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Leader’s Perfect Return

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt introduced herself as first bowling change and enjoyed a ideal comeback to top-level bowling, catching Anneke Bosch LBW with her initial delivery since January’s Ashes series. In her next over, Chloe Tryon offered a tame chance to Alice Capsey at the on-side, as South Africa slumped to 38 for six within the initial 11 overs.

In light of Sciver-Brunt’s gradual recovery to bowling readiness over the last nine months, there had been some debate as to the number of overs she could bowl in this fixture, with the team deciding to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb in part to make sure there were back-up bowling resources.

Efficient Wrap-up

But three overs were sufficient of Sciver-Brunt: a duo of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean efficiently dispatched the South African tail. Heather Knight, returning after a long struggle with a muscle issue, looked raring to go: she was unneeded with the bat on this instance, but grabbed a sharp shoulder-height chance at the slips which brought an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Under Examined

England’s fielding – regularly watched closely these days – was hardly examined here. Conversely it was the opposition who missed the possibility to remove Jones at the start, while Masabata Klaas put down a easy self-taken opportunity given by Jones on 31 – South Africa’s best chance of securing a wicket. Rather, Jones continued to drive the ball straight, finishing not out on 40. International cricket has rarely been this straightforward.