Sciver-Brunt hails opening victory as a 'captain's dream'

SUPERB START AS ENGLAND THRASH RIVALS SOUTH AFRICA

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CELEBRATION: Nat Sciver-Brunt reacts after claiming a South African wicket

(ABHIJIT ADYA/ SHUTTERSTOCK)

NAT Sciver-Brunt described England's superb opening victory in the Women's Cricket World Cup as a "captain's dream".

Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith was the pick of the bowlers as England bowled South Africa out for just 69 in an emphatic 10-wicket demolition in Guwahati.

A devastating opening spell from Smith, who took 3-7 in 13 balls, opened the floodgates after South Africa were put into bat by Sciver-Brunt.

The England captain (2-5), Charlie Dean (2-14), Sophie Ecclestone (2-19) and Lauren Bell (1-24) plundered the remaining wickets as the Proteas were skittled for 69 in 20.4 overs - their second-lowest total at a 50-over World Cup.

England's dominance extended to their batting, as an unbeaten first-wicket stand from Amy Jones (40 not out) and Tammy Beaumont (21 not out) saw them cruise to their 70-run target in just 14.1 overs.