London, May 22 (UNI) Charlotte Edwards' tenure as head coach got off to a flying start as England cruised to a dominant victory over West Indies in the T20I series opener.

Despite West Indies captain Hayley Matthews stealing the show in the first innings with a stunning unbeaten century (100 not out), the target of 147 wasn’t enough to halt England's charge.

England’s chase was anchored by a brilliant unbeaten 81 not out from Sophia Dunkley, who was

well-supported by former captain Heather Knight with 43 not out.

The pair put on a blistering 94-run partnership for the third wicket in just 10 overs, guiding England to victory with 21 balls and eight wickets to spare in Canterbury.

Coming off a disappointing whitewash at the hands of Australia in the Women’s Ashes earlier this year, England marked the beginning of a new chapter – with a new head coach and Nat Sciver-Brunt as the new all-format captain – in commanding fashion, an ICC report said.

Speaking after the game, Sophia Dunkley, who smashed her highest-ever T20I score, praised the impact that head coach Charlotte Edwards had on the new-look England side.

“It was great to start the summer off with a win,” Dunkley said.

“Lottie (Charlotte Edwards) has come in as a really calm person and really clear with what we

want to do," she said.

“I wanted to come out and contribute to the team, try to impact the game as much as possible. It

was a good night. Heather has been outstanding around the group, nothing has really changed

much on that front," Dunkley said.

On the other side, the West Indies skipper Matthews pointed out the shortcomings of her side and what to expect from the rest of the series.

“A good day for myself but unfortunate not to get the win. Felt we were 15-20 runs short," Hayley Matthews said.

"We weren’t able to build as many partnerships. Hard to defend 150, on the wrong end today.

Always good when you can hit a few well. Hope to carry the form through the series,” she

added.

England take on West Indies in the second T20I next at the County Ground in Hove on May 23.

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