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In a stunning start to their tournament, the English side secured a resounding 10-wicket triumph on the opening day, subsequent to bowling out South Africa for a paltry 69 runs in just 20.4 overs – constituting the third lowest total in the South African record.

Shocking Display from the Proteas

Even though South Africa having been a strong force in global the women's game recently, having reached the final of the short-format World Cup last year and appearing in the penultimate round of the previous 50-over competition, this showing was confusing and disappointing. Solely one hitter, keeper Sinalo Jafta, attained double figures, and half a dozen of their batters were dismissed bowled on a good pitch that infrequently acted erratically.

England’s Dominant Chase

Responding, England’s new-look starting duo of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made short work of the target, wrapping up the contest with over 35 overs to spare – their initial World Cup success secured in less than three hours. Perhaps more importantly in what might be a close group stage tournament, the English net run rate is now a more-than-healthy 3.77.

Bowling Effort Defines the Tone

After the English team took the toss and inserted the opposition, Linsey Smith’s initial overs set the tone, the slow left-armer posting a outstanding performance of 4-2-7-3 in her maiden 50-over World Cup game. She grabbed a smart self-taken catch to dismiss South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, before drifting the ball in to hit the wickets Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Leader’s Ideal Comeback

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt introduced herself as first bowling change and had a perfect reappearance to elite bowling duties, catching Anneke Bosch leg-before with her first ball since January’s Ashes series. In her following over, Chloe Tryon offered a soft chance to Alice Capsey at midwicket, as the Proteas sunk to 38 for six within the first 11 overs.

In light of Sciver-Brunt’s gradual recovery to bowling fitness over the last nine months, there had been discussion as to the number of overs she would handle in this game, with the team opting to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb partly to ensure there were alternative bowling resources.

Clinical Conclusion

But a short stint were all that was required of Sciver-Brunt: a partnership of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean neatly finished off the South African lower order. Heather Knight, returning after a extended fight with a leg problem, looked eager: she was not needed with the batting duties on this occasion, but did hold onto a reflex mid-level catch at first slip which put an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Effort Barely Challenged

The English fielding effort – frequently under the spotlight these days – was barely challenged here. Rather it was South Africa who missed the opportunity to run out Jones at the start, while Masabata Klaas put down a easy self-taken opportunity proffered up by Jones on 31 – the Proteas' top opening of claiming a wicket. On the contrary, Jones continued to drive the ball through the off-side, concluding not out on 40. World Cup the game has never been this straightforward.