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Through a powerful start to their campaign, England achieved a comprehensive 10-wicket win on the opening day, following removing their opponents for a meager 69 runs in merely 20.4 overs – constituting the third poorest total in the South African annals.

Surprising Display from South Africa

Even though South Africa having been a powerful force in global the women's game recently, after reaching the title decider of the T20 World Cup last year and featuring in the semi-finals of the previous 50-over competition, this performance was puzzling and humiliating. Solely one hitter, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, managed double figures, and multiple of their batters were dismissed bowled on a fair pitch that infrequently played inconsistently.

England’s Commanding Reply

In reply, England’s new-look opening pair of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones quickly finished of the chase, finishing the contest with a huge number remaining – England's first World Cup victory earned in just under three hours. Possibly of greater significance in what might be a tight group stage tournament, the English net run rate is now a impressive 3.77.

Attack Sets the Standard

Subsequent to the English team called correctly and chose to bowl the opposition, Linsey Smith’s initial overs set the tone, the spin bowler posting a exceptional return of 4-2-7-3 in her debut 50-over World Cup fixture. She grabbed a smart caught and bowled to see off the captain Laura Wolvaardt, before floating the ball in to hit the wickets Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.

Captain’s Dream Reappearance

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt introduced herself as first bowling change and enjoyed a perfect return to international bowling, dismissing Anneke Bosch leg-before with her first ball since January’s Ashes series. In her next over, Chloe Tryon offered a soft chance to Alice Capsey at the on-side, as the Proteas sunk to 38 for six within the first 11 overs.

Considering Sciver-Brunt’s gradual return to bowling readiness over the previous nine months, there had been questions as to the number of overs she could bowl in this match, with England deciding to play both Capsey and Emma Lamb in part to make sure there were reserve bowling cover.

Clinical Finish

Yet a brief spell were all that was required of Sciver-Brunt: a combination of Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean efficiently wrapped up the South African lower order. Heather Knight, making a comeback after a long battle with a muscle issue, looked ready: she was unneeded with the bat on this instance, but did hold onto a quick chest-high catch at first slip which put an end to Nadine de Klerk.

Fielding Hardly Challenged

The English fielding – frequently watched closely these days – was barely challenged here. Conversely it was South Africa who missed the chance to remove Jones early on, while Masabata Klaas put down a easy caught and bowled chance offered by Jones on 31 – the Proteas' prime opportunity of claiming a wicket. Instead, Jones continued to hit the ball straight, finishing remaining on 40. World Cup play has seldom been so easy.