In a stunning start to their tournament, the English side secured a comprehensive 10-wicket victory on the opening day, after dismissing their opponents for a low 69 runs in just 20.4 overs – representing the third lowest total in the South African annals.
Surprising Collapse from the Proteas
Despite South Africa having been a formidable force in world the women's game recently, following their the final of the T20 World Cup last year and making the penultimate round of the last 50-over event, this display was baffling and humiliating. Only one player, gloveman Sinalo Jafta, attained double figures, and half a dozen of their batters were dismissed bowled on a fair pitch that seldom acted inconsistently.
The English Dominant Response
Responding, the English new-look opening partnership of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones wasted no time of the pursuit, wrapping up the match with over 35 overs left – England's first World Cup success secured in less than three hours. Perhaps more importantly in what might be a competitive group stage tournament, England’s net run rate is now a excellent 3.77.
Bowling Effort Sets the Standard
After the English team took the toss and inserted South Africa, Linsey Smith’s starting burst set the tone, the left-arm spinner achieving a exceptional figures of 4-2-7-3 in her debut 50-over World Cup match. She grabbed a clever caught and bowled to remove South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt, before drifting the ball in to bowl Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.
Captain’s Perfect Return
Leader Nat Sciver-Brunt came on as first-change and experienced a dream comeback to international bowling, trapping Anneke Bosch leg-before with her first ball since January’s Ashes series. In her following over, Chloe Tryon sent up a soft chance to Alice Capsey at the on-side, as the Proteas slumped to 38 for six within the opening 11 overs.
Considering Sciver-Brunt’s slow comeback to bowling form over the previous nine months, there had been some debate as to what quantity of overs she might manage in this match, with England opting to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb partly to make sure there were alternative bowling cover.
Efficient Wrap-up
However a short stint were all that was required of Sciver-Brunt: a duo of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean efficiently dispatched the Proteas' remaining batters. Heather Knight, returning after a long struggle with a leg problem, looked raring to go: she was not needed with the bat on this day, but took a sharp chest-high catch at slip which brought an end to Nadine de Klerk.
Fielding Barely Challenged
England’s fielding effort – frequently under the spotlight nowadays – was barely challenged here. Conversely it was the opposition who bungled the opportunity to run out Jones early on, while Masabata Klaas dropped a simple caught and bowled chance proffered up by Jones on 31 – South Africa’s top opening of taking a wicket. Instead, Jones persisted to hit the ball down the ground, ending remaining on 40. International cricket has never been so easy.
