Du Preez the hero for Proteas on 100th T20I appearance

Perth : Mignon du Preez celebrated her 100th T20I appearance in style by hitting back-to-back boundaries to help South Africa beat England in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup opener.

Nat Sciver's half-century went in vain at the WACA as England lost to South Africa for the first time in the 20-over tournament. A three-wicket haul from Ayabonga Khaka and two apiece for Dane van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp prevented Lisa Keightley's side from building momentum with the bat.

And the Van Niekerk and Kapp pairing shone again at the crease, combining for 84 to lay the foundation for Chloe Tryon (12) and Du Preez (18 not out) to wrap up the win in a thrilling finish.

Amy Jones got England off to a blistering start with four boundaries in the first three overs but Kapp ensured her stint was short-lived as the opener was caught at mid-off for 23 by Tryon. It didn't take long for the Proteas to strike again as Danni Wyatt was dismissed for two off Khaka's first ball of the tournament, Lizelle Lee with the diving catch at backward point.

England's batting woes continued with the introduction of van Niekerk's spin, the South Africa captain dismissing opposite number Heather Knight who tried to hit her over the top, only to be brilliantly caught by Shabnim Ismail at long-on.

The middle-order pairing of Sciver and Fran Wilson were under pressure to accelerate the innings but only managed to push on to 72 before Wilson was dismissed.