Nat Sciver-Brunt's half-century led England to a four-wicket win in the first IT20 against South Africa in East London.
Chasing 143, Sciver-Brunt fell for 59 in the final over with the scores tied but the damage was already done as the tourists sealed victory with four balls to spare.
South Africa were in a strong position when England needed 57 from the final six overs on a slow pitch, but Sciver-Brunt and Amy Jones smashed 22 from Ayanda Hlubi’s 15th over to change the course of the game.
Jones fell for a crucial 31 from 19 balls in the following over, but South Africa’s attack struggled without three of its frontline bowlers in Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka and Chloe Tryon.
Nadine de Klerk stepped up with 2-20 while seamer Eliz-Mari Marx took 3-19, but the recent T20 World Cup finalists were left to rue their sluggish start with the bat.
In the absence of two of their experienced batters, the Proteas’ remaining senior players were guilty of squandering good starts with captain Laura Wolvaardt making 22, Tazmin Brits 15 and Anneke Bosch 18, while Sune Luus fell for a duck.
Annerie Dercksen held the innings together with 26 from 29 balls before De Klerk’s impressive cameo of 29 from 16 provided a much-needed late flurry of runs to post 142-5.
It looked a competitive total on a turning pitch but Sciver-Brunt’s class proved the difference for England, who take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series before three one-day internationals and a four-day Test.
South Africa Captain Laura Wolvaardt said: “We knew if we could get to 150 it would have been a good total, it’s unfortunate we couldn’t defend it.
“There’s a lot of positives to take out of this game. We were on the wrong side of the result but lost in a few pressure moments that we can talk about.”
Player of the Match, Nat Sciver-Brunt added: “The pitch got slower and lower as the game went on which made it a lot more difficult for us.
“The partnership with Amy [Jones] was really crucial and put us in a good position. It’s always great because the team know each other so well so no matter who comes in to bat with you, you have that relationship and know how to get the best out of each other.”
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