Bairstow struck his second fifty in Twenty20 Internationals

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Jonny Bairstow smashed a career-best 60 not out as England crushed South Africa by nine wickets in the first Twenty20 International in Southampton.

Opting to bat first, South Africa got off to the worst possible start as opener Jon-Jon Smuts was clean bowled by David Willey on the first ball of the match.

Reeza Hendricks and David Miller fell shortly after to leave the Proteas struggling at 32/3.

However, stand-in captain AB de Villiers and Farhaan Behardien stabilised the innings with an unbeaten 110-run partnership, during which both batsmen surpassed their half-centuries.

De Villiers made his 10th half-century in Twenty20 Internationals

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

De Villiers ended up making 65 off 58 balls, which included four boundaries and two sixes, while Behardien also hit the same number of boundaries and sixes during his knock of 64 not out.

Behardien’s career-best knock went in vain

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Mark Wood was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Willey snapped up one as South Africa finished on 142/3 off their 20 overs.

Chasing 143 to win, England got off to a blistering start before opener Jason Roy was trapped lbw off the bowling of Andile Phehlukwayo for 28.

However, that was to be South Africa’s last taste of success for the rest of the match as Bairstow and Alex Hales finished things off with an unbeaten 98-run stand, during which Bairstow brought up his fifty.

Bairstow concluded the match on 60 off 35 balls, which included six boundaries and two sixes, while Hales made 47 off 38 deliveries, which included three boundaries and two sixes.

Phehlukwayo was the only bowler to take a wicket.

Bairstow was named Man of the Match.