England have set a target of 119 runs for South Africa in the first of their three-match Twenty20 series.
The home side scored 118 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs at Chester-le-Street in Durham.
South Africa won the toss and asked England to bat, and were impressive right from the start.
Craig Kieswetter top-scored for England with 25 runs from 24 balls, hitting three fours and one six.
Johan Botha was the most impressive bowler for South Africa, taking two wickets for 19 runs in four overs.
