In England's first game since their disastrous group stage exit from the T20 World Cup in October, they played with a more reserved style than the extreme aggressiveness that head coach Jon Lewis tried to encourage.
But wins are the most effective currency for silencing critics, and they did so easily – starting with a solid, if not spectacular, all-round bowling performance.
Their sole specialist, Lauren Bell, struggled, conceding 46 in her four overs. Leg-spinner Sarah Glenn also struggled to find rhythm, but Ecclestone and Dean were back to their best after difficult individual World Cup campaigns.
Dean scored South African captain Wolvaardt's big breakthrough, deceiving the first over with a well-executed, quicker ball, and then had all-rounder Luus caught in the middle.
Ecclestone's only wicket was the Brits' opener, who were at a loss but conceded just 18 in their four overs and their confidence had returned – a sight sure to please England fans.
At 64-4 and with most of their experienced batters in the dugout, South Africa appeared doomed, but the spirited Dercksen ran brilliantly between the wickets, picking up vital runs with Nondumiso Shangase in a stand of 36 before De Klerk took the Proteas gave a decent total with four fours in their entertaining cameo.
There were still a few fumbles in the field, and Sciver-Brunt dropped a simple catch off Bosch at number 13 – it ultimately only cost another five runs, but these are the small mistakes England are looking to make up for in this multi-match . format series and before the Women's Ashes begins in January.
