South Africa were bowled out for just 69 runs in 20.4 overs, and wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta was the only batter to reach double figures, scoring 22 off 36 balls. It was especially a nightmare start with the bat.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt (5), Tazmin Brits (5), Suné Luus (2), and Marizanne Kapp (4) all fell within the first 5.1 overs, undone by excellent spin bowling from Linsey Smith. Anneke Bosch and Ayabonga Khaka, with six runs apiece, were the next highest scorers.

Suné Luus. Photo: Cricinfo

Smith was the pick of the English bowlers, taking 3/7 in four overs. Natalie Sciver-Brunt chipped in with 2/5, while Charlie Dean with 2/14 and Sophie Ecclestone 2/19 also caused plenty of problems.

In reply, England cruised to victory in 14.1 overs. Wicketkeeper Amy Jones top-scored with 40 not out from 50 balls, while Tammy Beaumont struck the winning boundary to finish unbeaten on 21 from 35 deliveries.

For South Africa, Kapp was the most economical bowler, returning figures of 0/13 in four overs.

After the game, captain Wolvaardt admitted her side needed to be sharper with the bat going forward.

“Not the way we wanted to start the tournament, and certainly not our best performance with the bat,” she said.

“But we haven’t suddenly become a bad batting side overnight. This team has shown resilience in the past, and we want to put this behind us and move forward. Credit to England – they bowled really well with the new ball, and Linsey was excellent. We didn’t expect that much swing, but we probably could have played straighter.”

Linsey Smith. Photo: Cricinfo

Wolvaardt added that the team needs to absorb the setback quickly and refocus.

“It’s about trusting what we’ve done in the past. We’ve had really good preparation, so now it’s about putting this result behind us. In tournaments like this, you need a short memory after tough games and come back with the right intent for the next one.”

South Africa face New Zealand next, in Indore on Monday, with the match set to start at 11:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs