Edwards leads England to series win

Charlotte Edwards' much-needed fifty rescued England from an early slip and helped them seal the Twenty20 series with a 37-run win against South Africa at Northampton on Saturday.

South Africa had England in some trouble on 60 for 6 with only Edwards of the recognised batsmen remaining. But her 76 not out lifted them to 116 for 8 which proved more than enough as South Africa were restricted to 79 for 7. Her innings, a follow-up to Friday's 45, included seven fours and continued her unstoppable form. She is now the leading scorer in women's Twenty20 internationals, with 333 runs at an average of 47.57, and her innings today was the highest for England.

South Africa will be encouraged at least by their early bowling efforts, Ashlyn Kilowan hauling in 3 for 25 - and at one stage she was on a hat-trick. She had Jenny Gunn caught at mid-off then bowled Lydia Greenway and although Beth Morgan avoided the hat-trick ball, England were reeling on 14 for 3. Yet while Sunette Loubser took 2 for 13, ultimately, England's experience told.

Holly Colvin and Laura Marsh took two wickets each as South Africa's batsmen again struggled in reply - their topscorer was Trisha Chetty with 15.

South Africa have one final chance against England when the sides reconvene in the afternoon for the final Twenty20 of the series.