England beat South Africa in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup opener ©Getty Images

England have beaten South Africa by 104 runs in the first match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup, the tournament they are co-hosting with Wales. 

They totalled 311 to 8 in their 50 overs at The Oval in London before dismissing South Africa for 207. 

Jofra Archer starred in the victory, taking 3-27 and forcing Hashim Amla to retire after hitting him on the helmet. 

Ben Stokes was also a key player for England, impressing the home support with a one-handed catch on the boundary to dismiss Andile Phelukwayo.

Pakistan are the next team due to play England, facing the hosts at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on Monday (June 3).

Ben Stokes starred for England with bat and ball - and in the field with a breathtaking catch - as they beat South Africa by more than 100 runs in their opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup ©Getty Images
Ben Stokes starred for England with bat and ball - and in the field with a breathtaking catch - as they beat South Africa by more than 100 runs in their opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup ©Getty Images

South Africa are scheduled to take on Bangladesh at The Oval on Sunday (June 2).

With the action beginning today, the World Cup was officially launched yesterday with an opening party on The Mall. 

The captains of the 10 competing teams met the Queen and Prince Harry at Buckingham Palace, while each nation was also represented in a celebrity street Cricket World Cup challenge. 

Australian captain Michael Clarke then handed over the World Cup trophy, won by his country in 2015, to begin the tournament

The captains of the 10 ICC Cricket World Cup teams met the Queen at Buckingham Palace as part of an opening party for the event on the eve of the first match of the tournament ©Getty Images
The captains of the 10 ICC Cricket World Cup teams met the Queen at Buckingham Palace as part of an opening party for the event on the eve of the first match of the tournament ©Getty Images

"Today we saw a remarkable party to open this World Cup in style," ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 managing director Steve Elworthy said.

"Across the last two years, we have continually reached out to new audiences to grow the game; women, children, sport-loving families, big event fans, while engaging with the diverse and passionate cricket fans already in this country.

"The tournament is shaping up to be the greatest ever cricket celebration and a record-breaking World Cup and we want to inspire future generations of fans in this country and around the world. 

"This party encapsulates the atmosphere that we know the fans will bring to the World Cup."

Tomorrow's match, at Trent Bridge, is due to see Pakistan take on the West Indies.