England women continued their unbeaten run against South Africa as they claimed a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the first Twenty20 of the series at Senwes Park today.
South Africa won the toss, elected to bat first but were kept in check by some accurate bowling by Isa Guha and Arran Brindle.
With pressure mounting, England made the breakthrough in the sixth over when Brindle and Danielle Hazell combined to run out Yoland van Niekerk.
Brindle then tempted Trisha Chetty to hit straight to Jenny Gunn and the hosts were soon 49 for three when Hazell bowled South African captain Mignon du Preez.
Chloe Tyron and Alison Hodgkinson bolstered the South African total, clearing the ropes on three occasions, but England remained in control with Hazell catching the former off the bowing of Isa Guha.
Top scorer Hodgkinson (51) was run-out by Sarah Taylor off the final ball as South Africa finished on 128 for six from their 20 overs.
Despite losing the early wicket of Laura Marsh, Charlotte Edwards and Taylor set about the target with a 96-run partnership.
Taylor hit eight boundaries in a fine half-century from 32 balls before she was caught at square leg. Edwards soon followed, run out for a rapid 49, as England reached 114 for three.
Brindle and Lydia Greenway finished the job with 17 balls remaining.
Player of the match Sarah Taylor said: "I enjoyed the game today. There was some great boundary hitting from both teams - even the good balls went for four.
"I feel in good nick and it was good to bat with Charlotte but the bowlers did the work for us today by restricting South Africa.
"It's a nice wicket and if you get your hands through the ball it just goes, it's such a quick outfield.
"It was a good day. It's always exciting playing Twenty20 cricket and hopefully we'll see some more big hitting in the next two games."
England women play the second Twenty20 of the three match series against South Africa on Saturday 29th October.
Match schedule
England Women v South Africa women
All matches at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Sat 29th October 2nd T20
Sun 30th October 3rd T20
