Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales helped England canter to victory in the first of three NatWest Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa, held in Southampton.

The opener scored 47 not out as the hosts won by nine wickets, chasing down South Africa’s 142-3 by replying with 143-1 in just 14.3 overs.

Hales shared a second wicket stand of 98 with Yorkshire’s Jonny Bairstow, who hit 60 not out.

The second NatWest Twenty20 International takes place at Taunton on Friday.

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