Proteas collapse to heavy defeat in ICC Women's World Cup opener

After being put in to bat at the toss, The Proteas never got going with the bat as they were bowled out for just 69 in 20.4 overs.

England then knocked off target in the in 15th over without losing a wicket to complete a big victory to kick off their World Cup.

The South Africans were off to a calamitous start with the willow as England spinner Linsey Smith took three wickets in her first four overs that cost just seven runs.

Laura Wolvaardt's charges never recovered from the disaster and only Sinalo Jafta, batting at number six, reached double-figures with 22 from 36 balls.

The English bowling attack just stuck to a simple game plan after bowling straight at the stumps and the Proteas had answer, with eight wickets falling either bowled or lbw.

England opening pair Tammy Beaumont (21 not out) and Amy Jones (40 out) then made sure of victory, knocking off the runs after 14.1 overs.

Proteas Women's head coach Mandla Mashimbyi will now have to lift his team for their next World Cup encounter against New Zealand in Indore on Monday.

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