Tammy Beaumont smashed a brilliant 116 as England Women set a new record for the highest-ever international Twenty20 score on their way to a 121-run win over South Africa at Taunton.
England piled up 250 for three to overhaul New Zealand’s 216 for one, which was only set in the morning on the same ground against the same opponents in this tri-series.
Beaumont brought up three figures in just 47 balls and struck 15 fours and two sixes before she was caught and bowled by Stacey Lackay to end her 52-ball knock that was her third consecutive ton in all formats.
It was the second-fastest T20 international century – only bettered by the West Indies’ Deandra Dottin bringing up a hundred in 38 balls eight years ago.
Danni Wyatt (56) helped Beaumont put on 147 for the opening wicket and, after Beaumont’s dismissal, Katherine Brunt was promoted up the order and responded by striking a scintillating unbeaten 42 from just 16 balls.
South Africa lost Laura Wolvaardt early and the dangerous Lizelle Lee fell for just 19 in the fourth over and they never recovered. Captain Dane van Niekerk struck eight fours and three sixes in a 51-ball 72 but they were always well behind the run rate.
Brunt and Danielle Hazell had two wickets each for England and opening bowler Anya Shrubsole went for just eight runs from her four overs.
England next face a double header against South Africa and New Zealand back at Taunton on Saturday.
PA
