Charlotte Edwards leads England women to a crushing 96-run victory over South Africa

Captain Charlotte Edwards and Sarah Taylor set a record partnership for the second wicket as England women claimed a crushing 96-run victory over South Africain the second one day international of the series in Potchefstroom today.

Charlotte Edwards and Danielle Wyatt got England off to a solid start after South Africa won the toss and inserted the visitors. Wyatt had reached 37 – her highest one-day score – before she was bowled by Shabnim Ismail in the 20^th over.

Edwards continued to control the game, registering her fifth one-day international century as she andSarah Taylor (77) put on 159 for the second wicket – a new record.

Their standwas finally broken when Taylor was caught at square leg in the 41^st over. Two overs later, after a superb innings that included 22 boundaries, Edwards (138) was caught at short fine leg, leaving England on a commanding 263 for three.

With seven overs remaining and seven wickets in hand England continued to push for runs but lost the wickets of Arran Brindle, Lydia Greenway and Jenny Gunnin the process.

Heather Knight and Laura Marsh batted out the overs for Englandwho finished on 315 for six.

England took momentum into the field where Marsh claimed the first wicket to disrupt the South African attack.

Halfway through the 16th over the dangerous Trisha Chetty was caught behind by Taylor off the bowling of Danielle Hazell, leaving South Africa on 84 for two.

As South Africa attempted to rebuild England piled on the pressureand a good spell from Brindle and Knight saw the wickets begin to tumble as the hostswere reduced to 147 for six.

The South Africa tail had an impossible task and crumbled under the pressure withEngland's spinners wrapping up the win.South Africa were bowled out for 219 with 15 balls remaining.

England women claimed a 96-run victory and are 2-0 up in the three match series.

Charlotte Edwards said: “It was a good all round team performance today. I’m really pleased how we’ve come back with our bowling and our fielding performance.

“It’s always nice to clinch a series and to contribute to that is fantastic. I was really pleased with how I played today, I wanted to get a big score out here.

“Sarah and I have batted a lot together – she’s world class.”

England women play the third ODI against South Africa on Tuesday 25^th October.

Match schedule

England Women v South Africa women

All matches at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom

Tue 25th October 3^rd ODI

Thu 27th October 1^st T20

Sat 29th October 2^nd T20

Sun 30th October 3^rd T20