ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati
South Africa 69 (20.4 overs): Jafta 22 (36); Spinner 3-7
English team 73-0 (14.1 overs): Jones 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)
England won by a perfect margin
The English side dismissed the Proteas for just 69 as they began their campaign victoriously to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless 10-wicket thrashing in the host city.
Spin bowler Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, dismissing key batters of captain, top-order batter Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.
Jafta was the sole player to reach double figures in a dismal batting performance which saw the Proteas dismissed for their third-lowest ODI total in just 20.4 overs.
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since a major series, while spinners Ecclestone and Dean also picked up two wickets apiece.
Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in just over 14 overs, having begun carefully on a difficult pitch, finishing with 40 and 21.
Slow Bowlers Secure England's Perfect Start
After the Ashes demolition and losses against a strong opponent, England needed a strong start to their key tournament under fresh captaincy.
They responded emphatically, crushing their below-par opponents which was magnificently set up by the spinner setting the tone, and the rest followed suit.
The pace bowler had the unenviable task of starting the attack in tough conditions and gave away early runs, but Smith immediately dragged things back as Wolvaardt chipped the ball straight back.
Smith was relentless with her consistency and was successful by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with deliveries that beat the bat.
There was a question mark over the captain's return to form, but she immediately silenced those doubts with a batter dismissed leg-before.
South Africa only managed six boundaries, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was taken in the slips.
Jones and Beaumont Coast to Victory
South Africa's performance was suggestive of an inconsistent batting surface, but the English batters showed careful approach to prove that runs were possible.
Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be improved irrespective of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they faced the seasoned bowler.
Part-time spinner Tryon shared the new ball, suggesting that the team were realizing an error with their selection.
The opening pair reunited at the top and began strongly with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a positive morale lift for the pair.
Beaumont was a little scratchy, below her usual standard on the tricky pitch, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by rotating the strike effectively.
Given strong opponents as top contenders, it is probable that the rest of the group stages will see key teams battling for knockout places.
England's Perfect Start - Post-Match Reactions
Slow bowler and player of the match Smith: "I'm very pleased with how we did. Starting the attack was a tough challenge but the conditions suited me and I am proud I did well."
"There is huge talent in the squad. We all offer different parts of the game so we can keep improving and developing as a unit."
Skipper Sciver-Brunt: "Very happy. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A ideal scenario."
"Linsey Smith played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a good match-up. It was very important to dismiss the openers."
Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "It is not the way we wanted to start the tournament."
"Not our best work with the bat but we have remained the same team. We have shown resilience before and we will move on quickly."
