In what was a disappointing low-scoring game at Chester-le-Street, South Africa eased to a 7-wicket win over England in the 1st T20I on Saturday.

By BV Swagath

In what was a disappointing low-scoring game at Chester-le-Street, South Africa eased to a 7-wicket win over England in the 1^st T20I on Saturday.

Asked to bat first after losing the toss, England were restricted to a poor total of 118 for 7. The top score of the English innings was just 25 (from 24 balls) made by opener Craig Kieswetter. The South Africans strangled the English batsmen completely through Dale Steyn (4-0-13-1) and Johan Botha (4-0-19-2).

In their run chase, South Africa had the initial hiccups at 29 for 3 in 4 overs but an unbroken stand of 90 for the 4^th wicket between opener Jacques Kallis (48* from 44 balls with 7 fours) and JP Duminy (47* from 54 balls with 4 fours) steered them home with an over to spare.

For England, Stuart Broad with 4-0-18-0 and Graeme Swann with 4-0-16-0 bowled well. The Player of the Match was given to fast bowler Dale Steyn. The second T20I between the two teams is on the 10^th at Manchester.