Captain David Howells scored 14 off the final over to lead England's blind cricket team to a six-wicket win over South Africa in the first match of their seven-game IT20 series in Pretoria. England chased down the hosts' total to reach 186-4 and take a 1-0 series lead.

Howells, batting at No.5, held his nerve after Luke Sugg was run out off the penultimate ball of the 19th over, striking two fours through mid-on to finish the job. The win was a strong start to a tour that runs until 19 November.

Sugg and Dean set up the chase

Sugg and opener Matthew Dean formed the backbone of England's reply. Sugg scored a 38-ball 51 and put on 83 for the third wicket alongside Dean, who made 58. Their partnership kept England in control of a demanding chase after South Africa, asked to bat first, had posted 185-7 from their 20 overs.

When both set batters fell, the responsibility passed to Howells, and the captain delivered under pressure to see England home with wickets in hand.

Howells delighted with series-opening win

Howells said the victory would give the squad confidence after a long time apart. "I'm delighted we've got the win and we've gone 1-0 up in the series. It's a long time since we've played together as a team so that will do really good things for our confidence as a group," he said.

"It was a good game of cricket. When Deano and Luke were batting we were always confident, but it was a big chase and we're just delighted to have got over the line."

Howells also paid tribute to the three debutants in the side. "I'd just like to say a special congratulations to Christopher Styles, who was there at the end, Robert Sholto-Douglas-Vernon and Thomas Froud. It's not every day you make your England debut and I hope they remember today forever."

Series continues in Pretoria

The two sides meet again at the same venue on Wednesday 11 November, with the second match starting at 8.30am GMT and streamed live on Cricket South Africa's YouTube channel. Further matches follow on 13, 14, 16, 17 and 19 November, alternating between Christian Brothers College, Old Boys Memorial Club and Tshwane University of Technology.

England will look to build on their winning start, while South Africa will aim to level the series before the tour moves on later in the week.