Match Center

That's it from this nail-biting encounter that forces a decider! All to play for in the final T20I at SuperSport Park in Centurion. That game will be played on 16th February and it will begin at 1430 local (1230 GMT). We will love your company for that game too. Till then, take care!

Eoin Morgan, the England skipper, says that they would've loved to win both the games. Tells that South Africa gave a good fight during the chase. Praises the performance of de Kock and Bavuma. On their bowling performance, Morgan praises Jordan and tells that he has a cool and calm head on his shoulders. Further adds that it is a tough ground to bowl but he does that really well. On Curran's last ball, Morgan feels that those are tough to bowl but credits Curran for the same and praises Rashid for taking the catch under pressure.

MOEEN ALI IS NAMED MAN OF THE MATCH! On his knock, Ali says that it was nice to connect a few. Tells that he is happy that his shots came out well. Adds that they bat deep and that helps their cause. Feels that when you're playing well, you need to keep it simple and that's how it goes.

Quinton de Kock, the South African skipper, says that it was a great game of cricket. Tells that England fought till the end and they won the game. Says that the bowlers need to be a bit better in the next game. On van der Dussen's knock, de Kock says that he is known for such innings and adds that he can handle the pressure well. On him scoring the fastest half ton for South Africa in T20Is, he says that he wasn't sure if he would be able to do so but he is happy for it.

Earlier in the day, England smashed a mammoth total courtesy excellent knocks Ali, Roy and Stokes. However, South Africa were brilliant throughout. There were also a few brilliant knocks from their end like de Kock's fifty and van der Dussen's knock, in the end though, they fell just short. Stay tuned for the presentation.

Have to feel for the bowlers tonight! First the South Africans took a pounding and then the English bowlers too. Not a lot you can write about the bowlers in a game where more than 400 runs were scored. However, Chris Jordan was exceptional. Wood was expensive but he picked two huge wickets. Curran bowled well when it mattered. Rashid and Ali though had a day to forget but overall, England will be happy they defended this as it is not an easy ground to defend.

South Africa, on the other hand, can surely give themselves a pat on the back though. Yes, there were numerous times in the game where they felt it was their game to win but 205 is a massive chase and in the end, they fell short by just the 2 runs. Let's now though take you to what happened at the start of this chase - de Kock and Bavuma got their side of to a brilliant start. It was the skipper who led the way and Bavuma was happy playing second fiddle. De Kock ended up scoring the fastest half ton for the hosts in T20Is. South Africa got to the 100-run mark before the 10th over. They were cruising at that moment but Wood got rid of both the openers and England were back in the game. Miller then along with van der Dussen took South Africa back on top. Once DM fell though, South Africa then were always chasing the game. Smuts and Phehlukwayo could not contribute a lot. They needed 45 in the last three overs but then the game swung once again as 19 came from the 18th over. 11 from the 19th and 12 from the first 4 balls of the last saw the hosts needing 3 from the last 2. However, two wickets in the last two balls saw England come out on the right side.

WE HAVE A DECIDER! But what two games of cricket have we witnessed in this series! Magnificent! Two nail-bitters, both the games saw the batting side needing 3 on the last ball and on both occasion, the chasing side could not score it. It was Ngidi who kept his calm the last time around and it was Curran who did so this time. He had 14 runs to defend, he went for 10 from the first two balls but brilliantly came back in the end and ensured his side levelled the series. Take a bow, young man.

That was some drama, eh? The sponsors and broadcasters were already out in the middle even though the umpires and players were still out there in the middle. It took some time, but eventually, the decision was made. Nerves, choke. Nerves, choke. And a nervy end to boot! Whoa! Let's take a breather...

19.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! No Super Over! ENGLAND WIN THE GAME BY 2 RUNS! Fortuin is caught off the last ball. This delivery though reminded me of the 2007 WT20 Final. Fortuin played the same shot which Misbah did. He shuffled right across and tried to paddle scoop it but there was absolutely no pace on this delivery. He only managed to hit it high up in the air towards the fielder there. Rashid takes a good catch. England have started celebrating but the umpire wants to check if Rashid was in the ring when the ball was bowled. Replays roll in and they show he was inside the ring when the ball was bowled but, but, excellent presence of mind from him. He started running back as soon as he saw BF get into position to play that shot and in the end, it went straight to where he was standing.

Bjorn Fortuin is the next batsman in. Rassie van der Dussen is into his ears straightaway. Do what you want, but do not take less than two! Poor Bjorn, what fortune! To come out at such a stage. Nothing that Rassie can do. Or de Kock. Just hope that Fortuin gets good enough bat on this. 3 to win, 2 for a Super Over.

19.5

W

OUT! Impact umpire's call! Wickets hitting umpire's call and the decision stays. South Africa need 3 from the last ball. Exactly what England needed in the last game. Curran bowls one more yorker this time. Pretorius shuffles across and looks to flick but misses. He gets hit on the pads. An appeal and up goes the finger. Pretorius is walking back disappointed. However, both his captain from the dressing room and van der Dussen want it to be reviewed. Pretorius does take it. Replays roll in and Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat. That though was of the ball hitting the ground. They move forward and it shows that the on-field call stays. An excellent knock from Pretorius comes to an end. Heartbreak for him but he really played well.

Pretorius is walking off as he has been giving out LBW! Quinton de Kock from the pavillion is screaming and signaling that signal the 'T'. Van der Dussen too is calling Pretorius back and wants him to review. DP does so. Stokes is arguing that there was a message from inside but the umpire does go ahead and he takes it upstairs. Looks out though. Let's see Ball Tracker. Inside edge? Yes! Hang on. Getting carried away. No inside edge. The bat has hit the ground.

19.4

2

NOT OUT! A brilliant dive from Pretorius saves him. This is a yorker on middle. Pretorius works it through mid-wicket. They take one and go for the second. Stokes picks the ball up and fires it to the keeper. He whips the bails off. Not a big appeal from the English players but it is still taken upstairs. Replays roll in and the umpire has a look at a few of them as the bat seems to be in the air when inside the crease. However, it is grounded before and hence, it is ruled in the favor of the batter. 3 needed in 2.

The umpire has taken it upstairs! However, there was hardly any appeal from the England players.

19.3

4

FOUR! 5 needed in 3 now! Pretorius you beauty! Curran offers width now and bowls it wide outside off. DP reaches out for it and hits it wide of the fielder at sweeper cover and bags a boundary. Pretorius is absolutely pumped up.

19.2

6

SIX! The early biggie which South Africa needed in the over. 9 needed in 4 balls. You have to favor the batting side now, right? One more slower one and this time it is on a length. Pretorius was waiting for it. He tonks it over the long on fence for a huge one.

19.1

.

A dot to begin! A lovely slower one outside off. Pretorius is done in by the pace. He swings way too early and misses.

Now then, who will bowl the last over of the game? The series is on the line here, high pressure, Stokes? Curran? It is Tom Curran. The youngster has been given the responsibility. Can he hold his nerves here?

18.6

1

A single to end which means 15 needed in the last over. A yorker on off, DP jams it out towards cover for one.

18.5

4

EDGY FOUR! Handy, handy boundary! South Africa won't care how they come as long as they do. A full toss outside off. Pretorius swings but it goes off the outside edge and to the third man fence.

18.4

2

Another two! 20 needed in 8 now! One more yorker. DP looks to jam it out but it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for a brace.

18.3

2

Tremendous stuff! Good running though! A yorker on middle, it is jammed out towards mid-wicket and the batters take two. 22 needed in 9 balls. Need a big hit do the hosts.

18.2

1

Just a single! Jordan though gets away with one there! A full toss on middle, van der Dussen looks to go big but it is a little too quick. He mistimes it high up in the air but it lands safe in the mid on region. A single.

18.1

1

Dropped! He actually saved a boundary there! It was clobbered! A full ball around off, Pretorius smashes it towards Jordan who sticks his left hand out but it does not stick again. A single as the ball rolls on the off side.

17.6

.

A dot! Still a top over for the hosts! 26 needed in 12. Full and around off, it is smashed but straight to cover. 19 from the over.

17.5

4

FOUR! 26 needed now in 13. South Africa back in the game! A very full ball outside off, van der Dussen smashes it through covers and it races away to the fence. Still a ball to go, can he end it well?

17.4

6

SIX! Van der Dussen is not going down without a fight! This game is not done yet. 30 needed in 14. Full and on the pads, right in the zone. Van der Dussen flicks it way over the mid-wicket fence for a huge one.

17.4

1wd

WIDE! Down the leg side, van der Dussen looks to flick but misses.

17.3

6

SIX! Out of the ground! Wood misses the yorker and ends up serving a full toss. Van der Dussen sends it sailing over the long off fence for a biggie. 37 in 15, can he end the over brilliantly? Two balls to go.

17.2

1

One more yorker on the pads, DP squirts it out towards deep square leg for one. Singles are something England won't mind.

17.1

1

Another delivery which is extremely full, not easy to hit those. The batter only manages to hit it towards cover for one.

Mark Wood returns. 3-0-20-2 are his figures so far.

16.6

.

A dot to end an over which has probably won England the game and helped them level the series. Full and on off, Pretorius keeps it out towards the left of the bowler. He sets off for a run but is sent back. He sees Jordan misfield and then goes again but is sent back once again. Rightly so, van der Dussen would want to keep strike. 45 needed in 18.

16.5

2

No hat-trick. Misses his yorker by a little. It ends up being a full ball on middle, Pretorius works it through square leg for two.

Dwaine Pretorius will face the hat-trick ball.

16.4

W

OUT! KABOOM! Cleans him up! Once again Jordan is on a hat-trick. It is another corker of a yorker. Right in the blockhole on middle. Too good for Phehlukwayo. He tries to jam it out but fails to get his bat down in time and it hits the stumps. Pin-drop silence here as they know, their side is staring down the barrel at the moment.

Andile Phehlukwayo is the new man in.

16.3

W

OUT! TIMBER! Excellent, Jordan is just too good at the death. Saw that in the last game and we are seeing that here. Smuts looks to innovate against someone who is giving nothing away, he walks right across and tries to paddle. Jordan bowls another yorker on middle. He misses and the stumps are shattered. England are into the bowling all-rounders now. An uphill task for the hosts. 47 needed in 21 balls.

16.2

1

And again, extremely full and on middle, not easy to get under those. The batter jams it out for one towards cover.

16.2

1wd

WIDE! Slips this one down the leg side, the batter looks to flick but misses. Jordan and Buttler both are not happy with the decision. They feel van der Dussen walked across there and had he stayed in his normal stance, it would have hit his pad. The umpire feels different.

16.1

1

Well bowled! Well played too but it is just a run. A pin-point yorker outside off. All Smuts can do is jam it down to third man for one.

Chris Jordan is back on. 2-0-15-0 from him so far.

15.6

1

Outstanding end to the over and a magnificent comeback! Just the 10 from it despite him going for 7 from just the one ball. A yorker to end. It is jammed out towards covers for one.

15.5

.

Brilliant, brilliant skill from Curran! He bowls another slower one just inside the tramline on the off side. Smuts thinks it is a wide and leaves it but not given.

15.4

1

A lovely dipping slower one outside off, van der Dussen guides it through covers and takes one.

15.3

1

An overthrow! Needless from Roy! A shy was just not needed there. A yorker on off, Smuts guides it towards point. The batters were not taking a run but Roy has a shy at the striker's end. He misses, the fielder backing up is in the deep and a run is gifted.

15.2

.

Good comeback! A slower one and it is outside off, Smuts is foxed by the lack of pace and does not play a shot.

15.1

6

SIX! Powered! That is a big, big one! Smuts is helped here as Curran bowls a length ball. Smuts smashes it way over the long on fence for a biggie. 7 from the first ball. Curran under pressure.

15.1

1wd

WIDE! Full and just outside the tramline on the off side. Wided.

Tom Curran is back on.

14.6

1

Slower and on the pads, Smuts works it towards fine leg for a single. 14 from the over.

14.5

1

Full and around off, this is pushed towards point for a single.

14.4

6

SIX! That has gone all the way! Good length ball on middle, Rassie picks the length early and slams it over deep square leg for a maximum. 12 from the first 4 balls of the over.

14.3

1lb

Good length ball on middle, Smuts looks to pull but misses to get hit on the pads and the ball rolls towards short third man. The batters run through for a leg bye.

14.2

1

In the air... but safe. A back of a length ball on middle, van der Dussen looks to pull but does not time it well. It goes uppishly towards deep square leg but bounces well in front. A single taken.

14.1

4

FOUR! Smashed! A much-needed boundary. Full and on middle, van der Dussen hits it hard down the ground and bags a boundary towards the long on fence.

13.6

1

Shorter and outside off, van der Dussen chops it towards point and a run is taken. Just the 5 runs from the over.

13.5

.

A dot! Gold dust at this stage! Slower one outside off, van der Dussen swings but is early in the shot. Misses.

13.4

1

Shorter and on off, Smuts pulls it through square leg for one.

13.3

1

Another single as this is hit down to long on. Singles won't do the job for the hosts.

13.2

1

Outside off, Smuts looks to go big but it goes off the inside edge towards short fine leg for one.

13.1

1

Very full and on middle, van der Dussen looks to go across the line, it goes off the inner half through mid-wicket for one.

Chris Jordan is back on. 1-0-10-0 are his numbers so far.

12.6

1

Fuller and just outside off, van der Dussen flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. End of an excellent over from Stokes. Just 3 runs and a wicket off it.

12.5

1

Fuller and around off, Smuts pushes it towards covers for a run.

12.4

1

Good length ball around middle, van der Dussen tucks it towards mid-wicket and takes a run.

JJ Smuts is the next batsman in.

12.3

W

OUT! Caught! Miller crumbles under pressure! Stokes has done the trick for England. It is a low full toss which has got the wicket. Stokes bowls it wide outside off, Miller looks to deposit it over wide long on but finds Jordan in the deep. He pouches it comfortably. 82 more needed in 45 balls.

12.2

.

Play and a miss again! Another length ball outside off, Miller looks to drive but once again fails to make any contact. Two dots.

12.1

.

Swing and a miss! Good length ball outside off, Miller looks to cut but misses.

Ben Stokes is into the attack.

11.6

1

Another excellent over from Wood, just 6 from it. Short and on middle, Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike for the next over.

11.5

1

Good length ball on off, it is worked towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

11.4

2

Excellent stuff all-around. Low full toss on middle, van der Dussen flicks it towards deep mid-wicket. Joe Denly there makes a good diving stop to save a couple of runs.

11.3

1

Short and on middle, Miller pulls it towards deep square leg for a single.

11.2

1

Another length ball just outside off, Rassie once again targets the leg side but gets an inside edge towards the keeper. Buttler there cannot collect the ball well and it goes towards short third man. The batters take the single.

11.1

.

Swing and a miss! Length ball just outside off, van der Dussen looks to slam it over the leg side but fails to connect.

10.6

.

Flatter and outside off, Miller guides it towards short third man for a dot. 14 from the over.

10.5

1

Van der Dussen does well! He gently works it through mid-wicket and takes one.

10.4

1

A single now! Rashid fires this outside off, Miller sweeps it through square leg for one.

10.3

6

SIX! Miller is dealing in biggies! This is an audacious shot. He shuffles across and Rashid bowls it very full. He does not go down to sweep it but bends his knee a little and whips it over the square leg stand. 6, 0, 6 in the over so far.

10.2

.

Rashid comes around the wicket and bowls it short. It is the googly. Miller looks to pull but it turns away. Miller tries to bail out but it hits the toe-end and goes on the off side.

10.1

6

SIX! That is colossal! Wow! Runs needed below 100 now. This is tossed up on middle, Miller shuffles in and whips it way over the mid-wicket fence. Releases the pressure that was building.

9.6

1

A single to end a brilliant over! The over which England so desperately needed. A wicket and two runs. On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

9.5

.

Beats the outside edge! Fuller and around off, it shapes away. Miller pushes at it but is beaten.

9.4

1

Van der Dussen is off the mark! On middle, Rassie pushes it down towards mid on for one.

9.3

.

Wood goes wide of the crease and angles it into the middle pole. Van der Dussen keeps it out.

9.2

.

Fast and straight on the stumps, van der Dussen gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

Rassie van der Dussen is the new batsman in.

9.1

W

OUT! Wood has two and both the openers back in the hut! England are back in the game now! A short one and on the body, Bavuma looks to pull but it hits the glove and goes to the left of Buttler who pouches it with ease. A good little innings from Bavuma, he played some sensible cricket out there but they needed him to bat longer. Game evenly poised at the moment, another 104 needed in 65 balls.

8.6

4

FOUR! Whipped! First boundary for Miller. Full ball on middle, Miller whips it off his pads and finds the gap to perfection at deep mid-wicket. Good finish to the over for South Africa.

8.5

1

Around off again, Bavuma once again works it towards long on and calls for a couple again. This time Jordan is quicker and keeps it down to a single.

8.4

2

Short and outside off, Bavuma clips it towards long on and calls for a quick couple. He takes on Jordan in the deep and completes the run easily.

8.3

1

Fuller and around middle, Miller flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

8.2

.

Slightly short and turning away, Miller goes for the pull but fails to connect.

8.1

1

Full ball on middle, Bavuma flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

7.6

.

BEATEN! This is on a length and outside off, Miller looks to stroke it on the up but misses. End of an action-packed over, 12 runs and a wicket from it.

David Miller is the next batsman in.

7.5

W

OUT! That is very marginal! It probably was touch and go and in the end, the umpire rules it in the favor of England. De Kock walks back slowly, he can't believe it as he is dismissed off a full toss. He walks off to a standing ovation as the skipper has surely done his job. He has got his team off to an outstanding start. England though will be extremely pleased to see the back of de Kock as he was taking the game away from them. Wood bowls a full toss. De Kock swings but mistimes it. It goes high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket. Stokes there settles under it and takes it. De Kock is standing there, he feels it is a no ball for height. The umpire takes it upstairs. A few replays are viewed and in the end, de Kock has to take the long walk back. 113 more needed in 73 balls.

De Kock has been caught but the umpire is checking if the ball is just over the waist.

7.4

4

FOUR! De Kock is in some mood today! This is full and wide outside off, he lofts it over covers and bags a boundary. 12 from the first 4 balls of the over.

7.3

1

Full and on the pads, Bavuma works it through mid-wicket for one. Sensible batting from him.

7.2

1

A dipping low full toss, de Kock works it through mid-wicket for one.

7.1

6

SIX! Just out of the reach of Stokes! This is unreal hitting from de Kock. However, England are bowling to his strength. This is short and on the body. De Kock pulls but not right off the middle. It goes towards the mid-wicket fence. Stokes runs to his left and stretches his hand out but it is out of his reach.

Mark Wood is on.

6.6

.

NOT OUT! Inside edge saves Bavuma! A full ball on middle and leg, Bavuma goes down and looks to sweep but misses. Rashid puts in a loud appeal and the umpire after thinking for a while raises his finger. Bavuma quickly signals the 'T'. They first check the front foot. It is fine. Now, is there any glove? Yes, the Ultra Edge confirms that. So, Bavuma survives.

Bavuma has been given out LBW! He goes for the review straightaway! Did that kiss the glove? Yes, it did and that is confirmed by the Ultra Edge.

6.5

.

Full and around middle, Bavuma looks to sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

6.4

2

A couple now! Full and around off and middle, Bavuma works it on the leg side and scampers back for the second.

6.3

1

Fuller and on the stumps, this time de Kock flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

6.2

6

SIX! FIFTY UP FOR DE KOCK! What a sensational knock he is playing. He is eyeing the shorter square leg boundaries and clearing these with ease. Slightly shorter one on middle, de Kock moves inside the crease and hammers it over deep square leg for another maximum to get to his half ton. It is the fastest T20I half ton by a South African batsman.

6.1

2

Loopy full ball outside off, de Kock forces it towards wide long off and picks a couple.

Adil Rashid is on now! How South Africa face him is going to be the key. He was good in the first game and needs to be good here too.

5.6

1

Slower bouncer, de Kock goes for the pull but mistimes it towards mid-wicket for a single. End of the Powerplay. South Africa are 69/0 after 6 overs.

5.5

6

SIX! Another one! He is tearing Curran apart here. Shorter in length and around off and middle, de Kock once again pulls it over the deep mid-wicket fence.

5.4

6

SIX! Whacked! De Kock is on fire here! Full toss around off, de Kock picks it early and sends it sailing over deep square leg for a biggie.

5.3

1

Shortish and around off but it is a slower one. Bavuma pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

5.2

1

Another fuller ball on middle and leg, de Kock pushes it towards mid on and takes a quick run.

5.1

1

Quick single! Curran starts with a full ball outside off, Bavuma pushes it towards covers and takes a quick run. The fielder picks the ball and fires the throw at the striker's end but misses.

Tom Curran is back on. 1-0-7-0 are his figures so far.

4.6

6

SIX! Third biggie in the over! 50 up in style and 20 runs come in the over. Brilliant one for South Africa and they are off to an excellent start. Ali gives it air this time but it is a little too full. De Kock lofts it over the bowler's head for a biggie. 152 needed in 90 balls.

4.5

6

SIX! Flat biggie! Second in the over! The crowd here is loving it. Shorter and angled into the pads, de Kock goes back and pulls, it just goes over the mid-wicket fence.

4.4

.

Risky stroke! On off, de Kock makes room and tries to cut but is beaten.

4.3

6

SIX! That is huge! Out of the ground! A poor delivery that from Ali. It is short and it sits up to be hit. Maybe Moeen Ali thought he was going to charge down the wicket. De Kock stays back and pulls it high and handsome over the mid-wicket fence.

4.2

1

Quicker and shorter on middle, Bavuma now mistimes it towards mid on for one.

4.1

1

Mistimed! Floats it up on middle, de Kock looks to go over the bowler's head but does not time it well. It goes towards mid off. A single.

3.6

2

A couple to end another good over for South Africa! 10 from it. Shorter and around off, Bavuma guides it through point for two.

3.5

.

DROPPED! That had to stick though. A very hard chance to be honest. On off, Bavuma smashes it back towards the bowler. Jordan looks to take it with his left hand but the ball does not stay in.

3.4

1

Looks to be innovative now as de Kock tries to play the paddle scoop! Jordan bowls it very full. He gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls towards short third man for one.

3.3

6

SIX! Right in the zone for de Kock and he puts it away! A slower one and on the pads, de Kock whips it and it clears the backward square leg fence. First of the run chase.

3.2

1

Very full and on middle, Bavuma strokes it towards mid on for a quick run.

3.1

.

Looks to play the paddle but he had to drag it from outside off. Misses and gets hit on the body.

Chris Jordan is into the attack now.

2.6

4

FOUR! A boundary to end the over! 11 from it, a good one for South Africa. De Kock plays this with the angle. He brings out the slog sweep and hits it over square leg. No one in the deep, so a boundary.

2.5

1

One more single! On off, Bavuma stays back and works it through mid-wicket for one.

2.4

2

Lovely shot but does not go to the boundary! This is tossed up outside off, Bavuma lofts it over covers. It bounces and then slows down a touch. Stokes gives it a chase and keeps it down to two.

2.3

2

Bavuma now uses his feet and Ali drops it short. TB works it through mid-wicket. He calls for two and takes it.

2.2

1

De Kock comes down the track and looks to go over covers but it goes off the inner half down to long on for one.

2.1

1

On middle, it stays a touch low. Bavuma works it through mid-wicket for one.

1.6

1

A single to end! So despite a boundary, just 7 from it. Fuller and on off, it is driven towards cover for one.

1.5

.

Length and around off, Bavuma guides it towards point.

1.4

.

One more slower one outside off, Bavuma looks to hit it through the off side but it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.

1.3

4

FOUR! Up and over! A slower one and on middle, Bavuma picks it early and whips it over mid-wicket. It trickles over the fence. South Africa need a lot more boundaries.

1.2

2

Length delivery around off, Bavuma plays it late and guides it through point. Two taken.

1.1

.

Slightly shorter in length. Bavuma mistimes it towards cover.

Tom Curran to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Slightly shorter in length and outside off, de Kock cuts but finds point. Just the 5 from the first over.

0.5

.

Quicker and on middle, it skids through. De Kock gets his bat down at the very end and keeps it out.

0.4

1

A single now as this is eased down to long on for one.

0.3

4

FOUR! Off the mark in style! Slightly shorter and around off, it sits up to be hit. Bavuma lofts it over point and it races away to the fence.

0.2

.

On middle, Ali pushes it back to the bowler.

0.1

.

Flatter and around off, Bavuma guides it towards point.

We are back for the run chase! The English players are out in the middle. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma are the two Protea openers who stride out to open the innings. Moeen Ali with the ball first up. Here we go...

The target is a massive one! However, the boundaries are short, the ball though initially did seem like not coming on the bat nicely but it eased out towards the end. Also, de Kock did mention about the dew which could come into play and if it does, South Africa would fancy themselves in the run chase. Let's hope we have an excellent run chase on our hand.

The South African bowling was decent! However, they were taken to the cleaners in the last 5 overs. That carnage towards the end ruined the figures of a few bowlers. Pretorius was pretty good in his 3-over spell. Shamsi also had a decent night. Hendricks, Ngidi and Phehlukwayo though took a real pounding.

Earlier on, after being inserted, England got off to a poor start as they lost Buttler early. Bairstow and Roy then took the attack to the bowlers and added a quickfire stand. However, both fell in quick succession. Morgan and Stokes then put up another decent stand but once again England lost Denly and Morgan in quick succession. However, Moeen Ali then came out and he smacked it right from the word go. He was timing the ball brilliantly and was clearing the fence at ease. Stokes also then got into his elements and he too started clearing the fence with ease. A 51-run stand in no time between the two took England right on top of this game.

Complete carnage in the last 5 overs! At one stage, 180 looked farfetched for the visitors but they have managed 24 runs more than that. All thanks to Moeen Ali. Yes, Ben Stokes too played a superb knock but it was Moeen Ali who provided the much-needed impetus. It seemed like he was batting on a different surface than the rest. 39 from just 11 balls and that innings could well be the difference between the two sides.

19.6

2lb

2 LEG BYES! Ngidi finally gets his length right. Bowls a perfect yorker on the boots, Stokes looks to sweep but misses. It hits his pad and rolls towards deep square leg for two leg byes. 15 runs from the over and ENGLAND FINISH WITH 204 ON THE BOARD.

19.5

2

Quick couple! Low full toss outside off, Stokes looks to slam it down the ground but mistimes it. It goes just over the bowler. Before the long off fielder can get to the ball, both the batters are back for the second.

19.4

6

SIX! Hammered! 200 up for England! This has gone way into the stand. Full and in the slot of Stokes, he connects the slog and sends it over the long on fence.

Tom Curran is the next batsman in.

19.3

W

OUT! Caught! This time Bavuma grabs the stunner! What a terrific catch. Third catch in the match from the little man. A short of a length ball outside off, Jordan looks to deposit it over wide long off. Bavuma from long off makes a run to his left and snaffles the ball nicely. The on-field umpire goes to the third umpire to check if the catch is clear. It looks okay. They now check the front foot too which is fine as well. So, Jordan has to go.

19.2

1

Full and around off, pushed to long off for a single.

19.1

4

FOUR! Brilliant effort at long on by Bavuma though. That could've been a stunner had he got hold of that one. Good length ball around off, Stokes clears his front leg and looks to slam it over wide long on. Bavuma runs to his left and throws himself to catch but the ball just touches his fingers and goes to the fence.

18.6

6

SIX! Jordan finishes the over in style! Shortish in length and outside off, Jordan reads that well and clubs it over long on for a six. 13 runs from the penultimate over.

18.5

1

A single now! Full and around off, Stokes looks to swing hard but mistimes it towards long on for a run.

18.4

.

Swing and a miss! Another length ball outside off, Phehlukwayo bowls it slow too. Stokes without any feet movement swings at the ball but connects only with thin air.

18.3

1

Another slower one. It is on a length and on middle, Jordan tucks it towards deep mid-wicket and brings Stokes back on strike.

18.2

1

A single! On middle, Stokes hits it towards deep square leg for one.

18.1

4

FOUR! Hammered! Length delivery and around off, Stokes smashes it over the bowler and down to the long off boundary. Top start to the over. Pressure on the bowler now.

Chris Jordan walks out to bat next. Andile Phehlukwayo to bowl the penultimate over. 3-0-32-2 are his figures so far.

17.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Ali departs but he has done his job for his side. 39 off 11 balls. Another fuller length ball around off, Ali looks to go over long on this time. He though manages a lot of height than distance. Bavuma at long on settles under it and pouches it comfortably. An excellent hand from Ali comes to an end. Expensive over from Ngidi but South Africa will be happy seeing the back of Ali.

17.5

4

FOUR! This time through the off side. Moeen Ali is on fire here! Ngidi goes for the yorker but ends up bowling a fuller ball outside off, Ali hammers it through the covers and the ball races away to the fence.

17.4

4

FOUR! Now on the leg side. Full ball on middle, Ali this time hoicks it over fine leg. The fielder is inside the ring. It goes high in the air but before the fielder can reach, the ball bounces and rolls to the fence.

17.3

6

SIX! How did that go over the ropes? Moeen times it really well. A low full toss outside off, Ali reaches out and lofts it over deep point for a six. He opened the bat face there and it just sailed over.

17.2

1

This one is very full and just outside off, Stokes whips it towards deep mid-wicket and takes a run. He wanted the second but the fielder in the deep was quick to make sure it was only a single.

17.1

4

FOUR! Drilled through the covers! Great start to the over for England. Full and outside off, Stokes skips down the track and slams it through covers. No chance for the man at long on.

Lungi Ngidi returns. 2-0-16-1 from him so far.

16.6

6

SIX! 16 from the last three balls and 21 from the over. A huge one. Probably the momentum changing over. A full ball again and on middle, this is lofted way over the long on fence for another biggie. Moeen is dealing in boundaries here.

16.5

4

FOUR! Moeen Ali is playing a gem of a knock here! Over the mid off fielder! 10 from the last two balls. Shorter and outside off, Ali slaps it up and over that fielder and into the long off fence.

16.4

6

SIX! Just over! Short boundary and Ali clears it. On the pads. Ali flicks it. For a second it seems like it is going straight into the hands of the fielder at deep square leg but it clears him quite easily.

16.4

3wd

Excellent fielding! Saves a few handy runs! A short ball but it is way too short. It goes well over the head of the batter. De Kock moves to his right, he fails to take it as it bounces just in front of him. It goes down towards the fine leg fence. Ngidi runs to his left, dives and stops it. Saves two runs for his side.

16.3

1

A single! Full and on middle, this is hit towards mid-wicket for one. Singles won't harm South Africa.

16.2

.

Ouch! That must have hurt! Stokes looks to play the paddle scoop but misses it. He gets hit on the arm where there is no protection. It goes towards short third man. A dot which is gold dust at this stage.

16.1

1

Shorter in length and angling into the batter. Moeen looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the body. It rolls on the off side for one.

Beuran Hendricks is back on. 2-0-24-0 are his figures so far.

15.6

2

Quick couple! Excellent running between the wickets! A length ball around off, Stokes pushes it towards long on with gentle hands. The call is for two and Bavuma at long on fails to pick the ball and that allows them to complete the second easily. 11 runs and a wicket from the over.

15.5

1

Length ball on off, it is forced to deep cover for a single.

15.4

6

SIX! Sailed all the way! Top shot from Moeen Ali. Another slower one and it is shortish in length. Ali reads that early and hammers it over the long on fence for half a dozen.

15.3

1

Good length ball around off, Stokes pushes it towards long on for a run.

15.2

1

Quick single! A good length ball around off, Ali taps it towards point and takes a quick run.

Moeen Ali is the new man in.

15.1

W

OUT! Bowled 'em! This is super bowling from Phehlukwayo. Denly fails to make an impact in this game. Phehlukwayo bowls a slower back of a length ball on middle, Denly looks to pull but is deceived by the slowness of the delivery. He misses and the ball hits his arms and then rolls onto the stumps.

Andile Phehlukwayo back on. 2-0-23-1 are his figures so far.

14.6

1

Another single to end! So 10 runs from the over but a wicket too. Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one.

14.5

1

A single to end! Stokes walks across and works it through mid-wicket for one.

Joe Denly is the next batsman in.

14.4

W

OUT! Morgan holes out! Pretorious gets the wicket he deserves. He has been really good and has troubled Morgan. Gets him finally. EM comes down the track and Pretorius bangs it short. It sticks in a surface a touch. Morgan ends up slapping it straight to the man at long off. Bavuma makes no mistake. Once again a wicket at the right time.

14.3

1

Stokes comes down the track and DP bowls it shorter. It is pulled down to long on for one.

14.2

6

SIX! That is huge! Much-needed biggie for the visitors! This is angled into the batter. Stokes heaves it right off the middle and it clears the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

14.1

1

Shorter and on middle, Morgan guides it towards point and takes one.

13.6

1

A single to end! Shorter and around off, this is guided to point for one. End of Shamsi's spell. His figures 4-0-30-1. Decent outing for him.

13.5

1

A single as this is worked through mid-wicket.

13.4

.

Stokes once again looks to play the reverse sweep but misses this one which is outside off.

13.3

4

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Poor from Hendricks! This is short and around off, Stokes pulls it down towards long on. It is uppish and there are shouts of catch it. Hendricks runs in but does not do so with full commitment. In the end he realizes he is not going to get there. Does not put his body on the line to stop it. It goes past him and into the fence.

13.2

1

Not off the middle and one run! Slower through the air around off. Morgan looks to play the slog sweep but is a touch early in the shot. It goes off the toe-end towards long on for one.

13.1

.

Quicker and outside off, just inside the tramline. Morgan slashes but misses.

12.6

1

Another top over from Pretorius comes to an end. Just 4 from it. Good length ball outside off, Morgan pushes it towards point where the fielder fumbles and the batters complete an easy single.

12.5

1

Another length ball around off, this time Stokes taps it towards point and takes a quick run.

12.4

1

Slower and just outside off, Morgan waits and then guides it towards third man for a single.

12.3

.

Swing and a miss! Fuller length ball outside off, Morgan throws his willow at the ball but fails to connect.

12.2

.

Good length ball outside off, Morgan looks to cut but gets a bottom edge back to the bowler.

12.1

1

Full and around off, Stokes comes down the track and drives it towards cover. A quick run taken.

11.6

1

Loopy delivery on off, Stokes punches it through covers for a run.

11.5

1

Flighted delivery on middle, Morgan looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It goes towards the off side. The batsmen get a run.

11.4

2

Short and outside off, Morgan makes room and slaps it through covers. Rassie van der Dussen in the deep slides and does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen pick up a couple.

11.3

6

SIX! Slogged away! Full and around off from Shamsi, Morgan clears his front leg and mows the slog over deep mid-wicket for a maximum. A boundary after the 9th over. 100 up for England.

11.2

1

Floated delivery on middle, Stokes pulls it towards mid on for a run.

11.1

.

Tossed up delivery on off, Stokes plays it back towards the bowler.

10.6

1

A single to end a very good first over by Pretorious. Stokes eases it down to long on for one.

10.5

.

Looks to be innovative does Stokes! He brings out the reverse sweep to this ball outside off. Misses.

10.4

.

One more dot! On middle, Stokes works it to the left of the bowler who gets across and saves a run.

10.3

1

Slower one again and outside off, Morgan guides it towards short third man. The fielder there makes a good stop diving to his right. A single taken.

10.2

.

A slower one around off, Morgan looks to force it through the off side but gets an inside edge back to the bowler.

10.1

1

Very full and on off, this is hit down to long off for one.

Dwaine Pretorius into the attack now!

9.6

.

A wicket and then three dots to end the over! On off, it is pushed back to the bowler. A top class over from Shamsi comes to an end. 90/3 at the end of the halfway mark.

9.5

.

Outside off again, Morgan shapes to cut but there is extra bounce. He ends up pushing it to covers.

9.4

.

Slightly shorter and around off, Morgan cuts but finds point.

Ben Stokes joins Eoin Morgan out in the middle. A slip in place.

9.3

W

OUT! Straight to the man! Shamsi gets the well-set and the dangerous Jason Roy. Timely wicket once again. Roy uses his feet and comes down the track. He does not get to the pitch of it completely. It also turns away a touch. Roy still swings but it goes off the bottom part of the bat and straight to Miller at long on.

9.3

1wd

Down the leg side, Roy looks to sweep hard but misses.

9.2

1

Shorter and around off, it is cut towards point for one.

9.1

1

On middle, this is hit towards wide long on. Roy takes one and wants another but is sent back.

8.6

4

FOUR! Terrific shot. Full delivery on off, Morgan lofts it over mid off for a boundary. 9 runs have come from the over.

8.5

1

On a length on middle, Roy flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

8.4

1

Short delivery on leg, Morgan pulls it through square leg for a run.

8.3

.

Phehlukwayo bowls it full and outside off, Morgan looks to go after it but misses it.

8.2

1

Short delivery on middle, Roy pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

8.1

2

Full toss on off, Roy drives it through wide mid off. The batsmen get two runs.

7.6

1

Another single to end a good over for England. On off, it is hit down to long off for one.

7.5

1

A single now! This is eased down to long off for one. Sensible batting.

7.4

4

FOUR! Good shot! Morgan plays both the sweeps well. This time it is the conventional sweep. He hits this delivery on the leg stump to the backward square leg fence.

7.3

1

OHHH! Roy looks to play the reverse sweep. Shamsi bowls it on middle, it hits the underedge of Roy's bat and goes towards short third man for one. Had he missed there, he was a goner.

7.2

1

In the air... safe! Floats it up outside off, Morgan lofts it over covers. It lands away from the sweeper and a single is taken.

7.1

1

On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

Change in bowling as well as Tabraiz Shamsi is into the attack.

Skipper Eoin Morgan is the new man in.

6.6

W

OUT! Timber! Phehlukwayo has Bairstow once again. A much-needed breakthrough as this partnership was really starting to flourish. AP is pumped up and why not. He lands this on a length and around off, Bairstow stays leg side of the delivery and looks to slash it through the off side. A poor shot as there is not a lot of room on offer. He misses and the off stump is shattered. South Africa need to keep taking wickets if they are to stem the run flow. 14 runs and wicket from Phehlukwayo's first over.

6.5

1

Another slower one, Roy hits it down to long off and takes one.

6.4

1

Bowls the yorker now, this is hit down to long off for one.

6.3

6

SIX! This is unreal hitting! Over the mid-wicket fence this time. Slightly short and on middle, Bairstow hangs back and picks it up. It sails over the mid-wicket fence. Consecutive biggies.

6.2

6

SIX! Clears the ropes again! It is full and right in the slot. Bairstow lofts it straight and over the long on fence. Raining boundaries here now.

6.1

.

On off, Bairstow pushes it back to the bowler.

Andile Phehlukwayo into the attack now!

5.6

4

FOUR! Edgy boundary! Another huge over for England and despite losing an early wicket, this is a good start for them. They are 55 for 1 after 6. Roy makes room and Hendricks follows him. He looks to guide it down to third man but gets an inside edge down to the fine leg fence.

5.5

6

SIX! That is an outrageous shot! Wow! 50 up in style! Roy comes down the track and BH bangs it short and outside off. Roy slaps it well over the cover fence for a biggie.

5.4

.

A short slower one, almost a similar delivery to which Roy got out in the last game. This time he waits, gets on top of the bounce and pulls it towards mid-wicket. A dot.

5.3

1

Slightly shortish and it skids through after pitching on middle. Bairstow mistimes the pull towards mid-wicket for one.

5.2

2

Well fielded! A slower ball outside off, Bairstow guides it through point. The fielder in the deep runs to his left, dives and keeps it down to two.

5.1

4

FOUR! Another boundary! On the fuller side again and on off, Bairstow lofts it over mid off and it goes to the fence. Ideal start to the 6th. They need to make it count now.

Beuran Hendricks returns! 1-0-7-0 from him so far.

4.6

1

A single to end a very good over for England! Shorter and around off, this is guided through point for one. 14 from the over, a good one for England.

4.5

2

A couple now! Slightly shorter in length and on middle, Bairstow pulls it through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep runs to his left and saves two.

4.4

6

SIX! Just over the fence! Nicely played! A slower one, it is very full. Bairstow gets under it and hits it high and handsome. Over the long off fence. Runs starting to flow now.

4.3

1

On the shorter side, it is pulled through square leg for one.

Another sightscreen issue and there is another halt in play. This time it has been solved quickly.

4.2

.

Roy comes down the track and Ngidi bowls it outside off. He swings but misses.

4.1

4

EDGY FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for England! Shorter and outside off, Roy slashes at it. It flies off the outside edge and goes down to the third man fence.

3.6

4

FOUR! Up and over! The last ball spoils the over a little. Fuller and around off, Bairstow lofts it over mid off and bags a boundary.

3.5

1

Another single! On the pads, Roy looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one.

3.4

1

A single now as this is eased down to long on. This is turning out to be another good over for the hosts.

3.3

.

DROPPED! A tough chance but you would expect a bowler to take that in his own bowling! This is floated up on off, Bairstow powers it uppishly to the left of Fortuin. He dives to his left, gets two hands to it but spills it. This could prove costly.

3.2

.

Flatter and on middle, it skids through. JB gets his bat down in time and pushes it back to the bowler.

3.1

.

Very full and around off, it is hit towards cover.

There is a halt in play but not sure about the exact reason! A sightscreen issue, it has been solved now and we are all set to go.

Bjorn Fortuin is back on. 1-0-9-0 are his figures so far.

2.6

1

Just the single to end a brilliant over from Ngidi! 2 runs and a wicket. The last ball is fuller and outside off, Ngidi is bowling to his field as he has a sweeper on the off side. Bairstow strokes it towards him and takes one. He is off the mark immediately.

Jonny Bairstow is the new batsman in.

2.5

W

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! It has been a wonderful over so far and it just gets better. Ngidi has got the big wicket of Buttler. Another low score for him. A cross-seam delivery. It is on a length and outside off, Buttler looks to hit it hard through the off side but since it is a cross-seam ball, there is extra bounce. It takes the edge and de Kock does the rest. Early wicket for the South Africans, just the start they would have wanted.

2.4

.

Nicely driven! On a length and around off, Buttler strokes it on the up but straight to cover. Just the 1 run from the first four balls.

2.3

1

On middle, Roy walks across and works it to the right of mid-wicket and takes one.

2.2

.

A little too wide outside off, Roy looks to stand tall and slap it but it goes off the bottom part of the bat towards mid off. Two dots to begin with.

2.1

.

Angled into the batter, Roy works it towards mid-wicket.

Lungi Ngidi is into the attack.

1.6

1

Roy makes room and also takes a step down the track. Hendricks spots that and drags his length back. Roy hits it towards mid off and takes one. So despite going for a boundary, 7 runs from the over.

1.5

1

On the pads again, Buttler works it through square leg for one.

1.4

1

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed towards mid on. Roy takes one. The fielder has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses. It is a little wide from the fielder backing up who dives to his left and makes a half-stop. Roy wants another but is sent back.

1.3

4

FOUR! Nicely tucked away! A little too straight. Roy stands tall and works it fine on the leg side for a boundary. Hendricks got away with one on the last ball but this time he pays the price.

1.2

.

A stifled appeal but nothing! On the pads, Roy looks to flick it fine but it brushes the pads and goes to the keeper.

1.1

.

Length and around off, Roy stands tall and hits it hard to covers. That went quickly off the bat. Seems a good wicket to bat on.

Beuran Hendricks to bowl from the other end.

0.6

1

A single to end a good first over for the visitors! Shorter and on off, it is pushed towards cover for one.

0.5

6

SIX! All the way! First maximum of the game! Slightly fuller this time from Fortuin and pays the price. It is fuller and on middle, Roy lofts it way over the long on fence for a biggie.

0.4

.

On the stumps again, Roy stays leg side of the delivery and slaps it to mid off.

0.3

1

Buttler gets off the mark now! This is flatter and on middle, it is eased down to long on for one.

0.2

1

Gives it air and bowls it full and on off, Roy strokes it towards mid off and takes one. Both Roy and England are underway.

0.1

.

A dot to begin! Slower through the air and around leg. Roy looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

We are all set to begin. The South African players are out in the middle. Jason Roy and Jos Buttler will open the innings for England. Bjorn Fortuin will start the proceedings for South Africa.

England skipper, Eoin Morgan says they wanted to chase too as it is a good wicket and they enjoy chasing. Further adds they played good cricket in the last game but could not get over the line. He hopes they play well in this game and level the series. Also says he is happy there is no rain around. Ends by saying they will look to execute their plans here tonight and do better.

South Africa skipper, Quinton de Kock says it looks a pretty good wicket and dew might come into play later on. Mentions the boys are pretty confident and they are looking forward to this game. Informs they are disciplined and the guys have done well. Also informs Fortuin comes in for Steyn.

England (Unchanged Playing XI) - Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (WK), Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan (C), Ben Stokes, Joe Denly, Moeen Ali, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan, Mark Wood.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Quinton de Kock (C/WK), Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, JJ Smuts, David Miller, Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Bjorn Fortuin (In for Dale Steyn), Lungi Ngidi.

TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. South Africa have won the toss and elect to field first.

A last-ball finish in the first T20I saw the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series. Now, they have a chance to seal the series with a win here. They have momentum on their side so it will be interesting to see if they can make use of it. England on the other hand, need to win this game if they are to stay alive in this series. They lost a game which they probably should have won last time around, can they go that one step further and level it? Hello and welcome to the coverage of the second T20I. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.

Match Center

2nd T20I, Durban, February 14, 2020, 09:30 PM

TOP TEAMS

TOP PLAYERS

TOP SERIES

MORE

Welcome Back!

Retrieve your password

Add New Playlist