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In a stunning start to their campaign, the English side secured a comprehensive 10-wicket win on Friday, following bowling out their opponents for a low 69 runs in just 20.4 overs – representing the third poorest total in the South African annals.

Unexpected Collapse from South Africa

Even though South Africa showing as a powerful team in global women’s cricket recently, following their the final of the T20 tournament last year and making the penultimate round of the previous 50-over event, this display was confusing and humiliating. Only one batter, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, reached double figures, and half a dozen of their batters were dismissed bowled on a good pitch that seldom behaved unpredictably.

England’s Overpowering Reply

Responding, England’s new-look starting duo of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones wasted no time of the target, wrapping up the game with over 35 overs remaining – their opening World Cup win secured in just under three hours. Possibly more importantly in what could be a close group stage tournament, England’s net run rate is now a excellent 3.77.

Attack Defines the Standard

Subsequent to England called correctly and put in the opposition, Linsey Smith’s starting burst set the tone, the left-arm spinner recording a remarkable performance of 4-2-7-3 in her maiden 50-over World Cup match. She took a smart return catch to remove the captain Laura Wolvaardt, before floating the ball in to rattle the stumps Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Leader’s Dream Reappearance

Leader Nat Sciver-Brunt came on as initial replacement and experienced a dream return to international bowling, catching Anneke Bosch leg-before with her first ball since January’s Ashes series. In her next over, Chloe Tryon offered a weak chance to Alice Capsey at mid-on, as the Proteas slumped to 38 for six within the first 11 overs.

Considering Sciver-Brunt’s slow recovery to bowling form over the previous nine months, there had been discussion as to what quantity of overs she could bowl in this game, with the team deciding to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb partly to make sure there were alternative bowling options.

Clinical Finish

But a short stint were enough of Sciver-Brunt: a partnership of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean efficiently wrapped up the Proteas' tail. Heather Knight, returning after a lengthy battle with a muscle issue, looked raring to go: she was unneeded with the batting on this day, but grabbed a reflex chest-high chance at the slips which brought an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Effort Hardly Tested

England’s fielding display – frequently under the spotlight these days – was hardly examined here. Conversely it was South Africa who missed the chance to remove Jones early on, while Masabata Klaas dropped a straightforward self-taken opportunity offered by Jones on 31 – the Proteas' top opening of taking a wicket. Instead, Jones kept on to drive the ball through the off-side, concluding not out on 40. World Cup cricket has rarely been so easy.