England's women got off to a winning start in the first of three successive Twenty20 matches against South Africa, with a 54-run victory at Northampton.

Charlotte Edwards played a captain's innings as she top-scored for England with a 45-run contribution.

Jenny Gunn (24) and Lydia Greenway (25) helped the hosts post 138-6, a total the South Africans struggled to match.

Susanna Benade and Cri-Zelda Brits put on a determined stand for the tourists but they could only muster 84 in reply.

Edwards timed the ball beautifully as she made her runs from just 34 balls faced, striking nine fours as well.

Gunn played some big shots, including one massive six over long-on, to help move the score along.

In the field, England looked sharp and athletic with both Gunn and Greenway taking difficult catches to see their side through to a comfortable victory.

Seamer Katherine Brunt took 2-12 from her allocation of four overs whilst spinner Holly Colvin went for just nine runs and claimed one wicket.

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