"England romped home with a 10-wicket win in their World Cup opener on Friday, after dismissing opponents South Africa for 69 in 20.4 overs the third lowest total in their history. South Africa have been a force to be reckoned with in global women's cricket of late, reaching the final of the T20 World Cup last year and featuring in the semi-finals of the last 50-over competition, so this was a baffling and embarrassing display."
"After England won the toss and inserted South Africa, Linsey Smith's opening spell set the tone, the left-arm spinner achieving a remarkable return of 4-2-7-3 in her first ever 50-over World Cup match. She took a smart return catch to see off South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt, before drifting the ball in to rattle the stumps of Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp."
"Only one batter, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta, made it into double figures, and six of their batters were clean bowled on a good pitch which rarely behaved unpredictably. In reply, England's new-look opening partnership of Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones made short work of the chase, wrapping up the match with 215 balls remaining their first World Cup win secured in just under three hours. Perhaps more importantly in what could be a tight round-robin competition, England's net run rate is now a more-than-healthy 3.77."
England dismissed South Africa for 69, the third-lowest total in South African women's history, then chased the target without losing a wicket. South Africa, recently strong in global women's cricket, managed only one batter in double figures and saw six batters clean bowled. Linsey Smith starred with 4-2-7-3 in her first 50-over World Cup match, removing key batters including Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp. Nat Sciver-Brunt returned to bowling and contributed with an immediate wicket. Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones completed the chase quickly, securing England's first World Cup win and a healthy net run rate.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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