England made the highest total in women’s Twenty20 internationals as they beat South Africa – only hours after the record was set by New Zealand.
New Zealand posted 216-1 in a 66-run win over South Africa in the tri-series opener, thanks largely to captain Suzie Bates’ 124 not out.
But England eclipsed it with a mammoth 250-3 on the same Taunton wicket.
Tammy Beaumont hit 116 off 52 balls before England limited South Africa to 129-6 to seal a 121-run win.
Beaumont’s century, off 47 deliveries, was the second fastest in women’s T20 history and she equalled the record of 22 boundaries in a T20 innings, set by Australia’s Meg Lanning.
Beaumont was given support by opening partner Danni Wyatt, who struck 56 off 36 balls, while Katherine Brunt made an unbeaten 42 off 16.
England men’s highest T20 score is 230-8.
South Africa’s Masabata Klaas took 0-59 and Stacy Lackay 2-59 from four overs, the most expensive bowling figures in T20 internationals.
Pace bowler Marizanne Kapp bowled only two overs before leaving the field with heart palpitations.
“Her heart rate was going up a lot higher than it should,” said Dane van Niekerk, who made 72. “She didn’t want to come off but I told her to get off the field.
“Thanks to England, she’s seen the doctor and hopefully she’s OK.”
The tri-series continues at the same venue on Saturday, with England facing South Africa at 13:00 BST and New Zealand at 17:40.
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