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In a stunning start to their World Cup, England secured a decisive 10-wicket triumph on the opening day, following dismissing South Africa for a meager 69 runs in merely 20.4 overs – constituting the third smallest total in their annals.

Shocking Performance from South Africa

Despite South Africa showing as a formidable team in international the women's game recently, after reaching the title decider of the T20 tournament last year and appearing in the last four of the previous 50-over tournament, this showing was confusing and humiliating. Just a single hitter, keeper Sinalo Jafta, attained double figures, and multiple of their players were bowled out on a decent pitch that rarely acted erratically.

England’s Commanding Response

Answering, England’s new-look opening partnership of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones wasted no time of the pursuit, completing the contest with a huge number left – England's first World Cup victory secured in barely three hours. Perhaps more importantly in what could be a competitive preliminary tournament, the English net run rate is now a impressive 3.77.

Bowling Effort Establishes the Tone

After England won the toss and inserted South Africa, Linsey Smith’s initial overs set the tone, the slow left-armer posting a remarkable return of 4-2-7-3 in her maiden 50-over World Cup fixture. She took a sharp self-taken catch to dismiss South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, before turning the ball in to bowl Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Skipper’s Perfect Return

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt came on as first bowling change and experienced a ideal reappearance to international bowling duties, dismissing Anneke Bosch LBW with her initial delivery since the Ashes series. In her next over, Chloe Tryon sent up a tame leading edge to Alice Capsey at mid-on, as the Proteas fell to 38 for six within the first 11 overs.

Considering Sciver-Brunt’s gradual comeback to bowling fitness over the last nine months, there had been discussion as to the number of overs she could bowl in this match, with the team opting to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb in part to guarantee there were reserve bowling options.

Efficient Finish

However a brief spell were all that was required of Sciver-Brunt: a combination of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean effectively wrapped up the South African tail. Heather Knight, coming back after a long battle with a hamstring injury, looked raring to go: she was unneeded with the batting on this day, but did hold onto a sharp chest-high grab at slip which put an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Performance Under Tested

The English fielding – regularly scrutinized these days – was hardly examined here. Conversely it was South Africa who fumbled the chance to remove Jones in the early stages, while Masabata Klaas dropped a straightforward caught and bowled chance offered by Jones on 31 – South Africa’s best chance of claiming a dismissal. Instead, Jones persisted to hit the ball down the ground, finishing remaining on 40. International cricket has rarely been this straightforward.