ICC Women's World Cup, Guwahati
Proteas 69 (20.4 overs): Top scorer 22 (36); Smith 3-7
England 73-0 (14.1 overs): Opener 40* (50), Partner 21* (35)
England won by 10 wickets
The English side dismissed the Proteas for a paltry 69 as they made a winning start to their global tournament campaign with a ruthless comprehensive victory in the host city.
Left-arm spinner Smith was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7, claiming the prized wickets of captain, in-form opener Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp.
Jafta was the sole player to score above ten in a dismal batting performance which saw South Africa bundled out for their one of their lowest scores in under 21 overs.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt took 2-5 in her return to bowling since the Ashes, while spinners Sophie Ecclestone and Charlie Dean also claimed two each.
Jones and Tammy Beaumont then easily chased the total in 14.1 overs, having started somewhat cautiously on a tricky surface, finishing with 40 and 21.
Slow Bowlers Secure England's Perfect Start
After the Ashes demolition and losses against India, the team needed a positive beginning to their key tournament under new leadership.
They responded emphatically, overwhelming the opposition which was brilliantly initiated by the spinner setting the tone, and others joined in.
The pace bowler had the unenviable task of opening the bowling in high humidity and gave away early runs, but Smith quickly regained control as the captain returned a simple catch.
She was relentless with her consistency and was rewarded by bowling the key batter and star all-rounder Kapp with balls that drifted through their defences.
Doubts existed over Sciver-Brunt bowling fitness, but she quickly dispelled concerns with Bosch trapped lbw.
The Proteas only managed a handful of scoring shots, with Jafta hitting three, but their chances faded when de Klerk was well caught at slip.
Openers Ease to Win
The Proteas' display was indicative of an uneven pitch, but the English batters showed patience and discipline to demonstrate scoring was feasible.
Chasing such a low total meant that their net run-rate would be boosted regardless of how hard they attacked, and there were minimal chances as they negotiated the seasoned bowler.
Part-time spinner the all-rounder opened from the other end, implying South Africa were acknowledging they had made a mistake with their selection.
Jones and Beaumont reunited at the top and started exceptionally with back-to-back stands earlier, so a comprehensive victory is a welcome boost of confidence for the duo.
She was not at her best, far from her fluent best on the uneven surface, but she was able to rein in her attacking instincts by keeping the scoreboard ticking.
With India and Australia as pre-tournament favourites, it is likely 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. Opening the bowling was a tough challenge but the pitch helped me and I am proud I did well."
"We have great ability in the squad. We all bring varied skills of the game so we can keep learning and growing as a team."
Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt: "Massively pleased. Everyone was really on it in the field. A early breakthroughs as well. A captain's dream."
"She played to her skills. She can swing the ball and we knew she was a suitable choice. It was very important to break that opening partnership."
Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt: "This isn't how we wanted to start the tournament."
"Not our best work with the bat but we have not changed overnight. We have shown fighting spirit previously and we will put this behind us."
