1st T20I, East London, February 12, 2020, 09:30 PM
South Africa
177/8(20.0ov)
England
176/9(20.0ov)
South Africa beat England by 1 run
Right then, that's all we have from this electric match! England choked towards the end. Next up, in Durban, the second T20I will be played on 14th February at 1800 local (1600 GMT). We are hearing that the weather will be good this time around. Looking forward to your company then. Cheers!
South African skipper, Quinton de Kock, says that it was quite interesting towards the end. Smiles and says that it was very tight but they knew at the halfway stage that if they keep the basics right they could end up winning. Feels it's always tough to bat in the last five overs. States that he was calm as winning or losing is something you can't control. On Bavuma, he replies that he has worked really hard on his batting and it's great to see him bat the way he is at the moment. Tells that they will enjoy tonight and from tomorrow will plan for the next game. Signs off by saying that it's important to stay ruthless throughout and hopes to seal the next one.
MAN OF THE MATCH, LUNGI NGIDI says that it was not a great day but is pleased with the way he bowled the last over. Says that he started to get the rhythm and all of a sudden England were on the back foot. Adds that it's a fast-paced format and it's how you bounce back. Mentions that not panicking under pressure was the key and shares that he was told that his job was to get wickets.
England skipper, Eoin Morgan, terms it an outstanding game of cricket. Says that experiences like these with World Cup around the corner will benefit the team. Adds that both teams left everything on the field and admits that in all the three departments they can do better. Praises South Africa for bouncing back and credits Lungi Ngidi for his spell. On Jason Roy, Morgan calls him the game-changer and considers his top three as the best they have ever produced. On his own form, Morgan replies that he would have liked to see it through but he will continue with the method he follows. Mentions that they are a great bunch of boys and learning a lot from each other.
Earlier in the evening, South Africa too lost their way with the bat after the first 10 overs. At one stage they looked like getting to a target close to 200, if not more, but some accurate death bowling by England stifled their charge. Chris Jordan was superb at the death whereas the spin pair of Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid left their impact. Stay tuned for the presentation...
England will be stunned! They have snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Chasing a tricky target, two partnerships involving Jason Roy put them in control. His stand with Jonny Bairstow was fiery while with his skipper, he kept things under control. Suddenly there was pandemonium after the departure of Jason Roy. South Africa got an opening and barged into it with full force. A few more wickets followed making it tough for England as they required 23 off 12 balls. This was when Eoin Morgan stepped in and the Three Lions amassed 16 runs from the penultimate over, although they lost their skipper in the process as well. Lungi Ngidi then bowled one of the best last overs you will ever see and reversed the chokers tag on England, at least for this evening.
What a finish! Nerve-wracking in the literal sense! Phew! We just survived a few Super Overs in the recently concluded T20I series involving India and New Zealand and nearly ran into another one here at the Buffalo Park. Superb last over by Lungi Ngidi. He had just 6 to defend and managed to do that with some efficient and smart bowling.
19.6
W
OUT! Run out! SOUTH AFRICA WIN BY 1 RUN! Ngidi sticks with the slower ones. He delivers it full and outside off, Rashid tries to drive but it takes the inner half and rolls towards mid-wicket. They cross for a run. Attempt for the non-existent second but Steyn has calmly under-armed his throw to the keeper and de Kock takes the bails off. Big celebration in the middle. Chokers, who?
Adil Rashid is the new man in. England need 3 runs off 1 delivery.
19.5
W
OUT! Whoa! Ngidi, you beauty! A clever dipping full ball around off, Moeen steps down for a big shot but is early into the shot again. It goes through and lights the stumps. The crowd roars.
19.4
2
SAFE! Inside edge! Ngidi angles in a slower delivery around off, it's on a length and Ali shuffles across to flick. It seems to have struck him on the pads and deflects in front of square leg. They take a couple. South Africa review but as mentioned earlier, there was some bat involved.
DRS time! It's all happening out there. Ngidi has appealed for an lbw. Not given. Quinton de Kock opts for the referral.
19.3
.
Swing and a miss! On a length outside off, slower in pace, Moeen is early into the swing of his bat and misses.
Chris Jordan is the new man in but Moeen Ali will be on strike.
19.2
W
OUT! Another one bites the dust! This match is going right down to the wire, folks! Ngidi deceives the batsman with a slower delivery this time. On a length around middle, Curran mistimes his shot aerially towards deep mid-wicket and Miller takes the skier safely. Morgan is having a tensed look near the boundary line.
19.1
2
Slower full ball on middle and leg, Curran brings his bottom hand into play and whips it through square leg for a brace. 5 needed off 5!
Tom Curran is the new man in. England need 7 from the 6 deliveries. Lungi Ngidi to bowl the final over.
In over# 1
0W
6
4
4
1
1
Beuran Hendricks 33/2(3)
18.6
W
OUT! It's a legal delivery. Anti-climatic! Morgan tries to finish it in a flourish but holes out. Is there a twist in the tale? Hendricks angles in a full ball on middle, Morgan tries to smoke his slog sweep over wide long on but fails to get enough meat behind the shot. Bavuma makes no mistake in the deep. The umpire goes upstairs to check for the front foot no ball. Beuran is JUST fine.
Morgan holes out! But the umpire wants to check the front foot. The replays show that it's touch and go. Too close to say. The third umpire also checks the back leg but it never cut the side crease.
18.5
6
SIX! This is absolutely incredible from Eoin Morgan! 14 off the last three balls and the equation is now 7 off 7! Hendricks delivers it full and outside off, Morgan makes room and pumps it all the way over covers for a maximum.
18.4
4
FOUR! Shot! Oh, wow! That's a beauty! Right what the doctor ordered for England. Hendricks over-corrects his length and bowls it full around off, Morgan rifles his drive through extra cover.
18.3
4
FOUR! Vital boundary! Hendricks goes for a slower short ball again, it's around middle and leg, Morgan stands tall and pulls it thunderously behind square leg.
18.2
1
Another single down to long on. The pressure is on with the RRR climbing up a bit more.
18.1
1
Too full in length on middle and leg, Morgan jumps back and forces it down to long on for a single. 22 needed off 11 balls!
In over# 1
2
1
0W
1
1
0
Lungi Ngidi 25/1(3)
17.6
2
Good shot! Full in length and outside off, Moeen hangs back and strokes it through the line. The sweeper cover fielder moves across to his right to collect the ball and the batsmen take a couple. 5 from the over, a very good one by Ngidi.
17.5
1
Picks out the point fielder. Slower short ball outside off, Morgan delays and cuts but fails to beat the fielder. A single is taken.
Moeen Ali is the new man in.
17.4
W
OUT! Stokes holes out! The crowd is in action, they are loving it. They can sense something here. Ngidi bowls a clever off cutter outside off, on a length at 115 kph, Stokes tries to slog sweep but finds David Miller at deep mid-wicket. Ben flops with the bat! 26 needed off 14 balls and this match is heading for a close finish.
17.3
1
Slower delivery, on a length outside off, Morgan moves across and drags it off the inner half. It rolls to the right of short fine leg for a single.
17.2
1
A touch short in length close to off, Stokes plays a reverse-batted shot towards short third man for a single.
17.1
.
Beaten completely! Ngidi angles a length ball away from the batsman, Stokes winds up for a big shot down the ground but misses. Lungi turns to appeal for a caught behind but he is the only one doing so.
Lungi Ngidi is back on. 2-0-20-0 so far from him.
In over# 1
4
1
1
0
4
1
Beuran Hendricks 17/1(2)
16.6
4
FOUR! Morgan doesn't miss out! Hendricks lets out a direction-less short ball, angling down the leg side, Morgan pulls it wide of short fine leg and fetches a boundary. 28 needed off 18 balls.
16.5
1
Lucky for the bowler! Shortish and around leg, Stokes pulls it straight towards short fine leg where the fielder makes a tumbling stop. Either side of him and it would have been a boundary.
16.4
1
A length ball outside off, it's lofted over mid off for one.
16.3
.
A well-directed shorter one by Beuran. Morgan tries his best to put bat on ball but fails.
16.2
4
FOUR! Bang! That's flat-batted over the bowler's head. Hendricks serves a back of the hand slower one, short and wide outside off, Morgan waits and waits and waits before launching it down the ground for a boundary.
16.1
1
A length ball angling into the batsman, Stokes works it through mid-wicket for a run.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0W
2
1
Andile Phehlukwayo 32/2(4)
15.6
1
Uses the angle of the bowler and works it through mid-wicket for a run. 11/2 in the last two overs and South Africa are in with a shout.
15.5
.
Good length ball close to off, angling in, Stokes ends up defending it back to the bowler.
15.4
1
Played to the point region by the batsman. They pick up a single.
Ben Stokes walks in to bat. Can he along with Morgan finish the game for the visitors?
15.3
W
OUT! Phehlukwayo's happy knack of picking wickets continues... He delivers a length ball around off, Denly attempts to heave it across the line but fails to pump it over the rope. It travels in the deep and falls straight into the lap of Rassie van der Dussen at deep mid-wicket. Andile is pumped up.
15.2
2
Fractionally short in length around off, Denly gives the charge and packs a punch through extra cover. It races away and the long off fielder moves across to his left to make the stop. He parries the ball in front of him before collecting it and that allows the batsmen to take the second run.
15.1
1
Fuller length ball around off, Morgan gets across and eases it to long on for a run.
Andile Phehlukwayo to bowl out. 3-0-27-1 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
0W
4
Beuran Hendricks 6/1(1)
14.6
.
Slower short delivery around off, Denly tries to pull but misses. It probably strikes him on the shoulders. Fantastic over by Beuran, 6 runs and a big wicket of Roy from it.
14.5
1
Shortish and around middle, angling in, Morgan moves back and defends it towards mid-wicket. The ball rolls in the gap and they cross.
14.4
.
The batsman picked that bouncer early and let it through to the keeper.
14.3
1
Width on offer outside off, Denly throws his bat at it and it flies off the outside edge to third man. One run taken.
Joe Denly is the new man in. He was in exemplary form during the ODIs and would like to partner his skipper to see this chase off safely.
14.2
W
OUT! Roy is fooled by Hendricks. Change in angle by the bowler. He steams in from 'round the wicket and digs in a slower bouncer around off. It takes an eternity to reach the batsman and Jason doesn't have the patience to wait for it. He tries to wheel a pull shot but is way too early into the shot. The top edge is induced and it's an easy catch for Ngidi at short fine leg. Superb knock by Roy but getting out this way will hurt him. 46 needed off 34 balls!
14.1
4
FOUR! Blazed away! That raced away to the fence in the blink of an eye. Back of a length ball around off, Roy hangs on the back foot and pulls it emphatically to the deep mid-wicket fence.
Beuran Hendricks is into the attack for the first time. Strange tactic from Quinton. 50 needed off the remaining 6 overs.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1lb
1
0
Tabraiz Shamsi 25/0(4)
13.6
4
FOUR! Powered away! Short in length and outside off, Morgan goes deep inside the crease and plunders his pull shot to the wide long on fence. 4-0-25-0, Shamsi is done with the ball for the evening. Tidy one but his team needed wickets from him.
13.5
1
Played to the mid-wicket region by the batsman. One run added to the total.
13.4
1
Leans forward and eases his drive to long on for one.
13.3
1lb
Shout for an lbw! Huge cry from the bowler in fact but the umpire remains unmoved. Flighted delivery again, landing full around middle and turning down, Roy fails to flick and it goes off his pads to point. They cross for a leg bye. Spinning down and would have missed leg is our assumption.
13.2
1
Full and flighted on off, Morgan brings down a straight bat and drives it to long off for a single.
13.1
.
Slashes and misses! Short and outside off, turning away, Morgan tries to cut but misses.
In over# 1
1
1
0
4
1
0
Dale Steyn 33/1(4)
12.6
1
A slow dipping full toss on off. It lands close to the popping crease and Morgan digs it out towards extra cover for one. 7 from the over, 58 needed off 42 balls!
12.5
1
Very full and around off, Jason drills his drive to extra cover and scampers across to the other end.
12.4
.
Short in length outside off, Roy turns to pull but fails to connect.
12.3
4
FOUR! Well played! Too full in length around off, Roy moves across the stumps and whips it across the line. Calls for two but once it beats the in-ring fielder at mid-wicket, it's always a boundary.
12.2
1
Back of a length ball on off, Morgan camps back and steers it behind square leg for a run.
12.1
.
Swing and a miss! Steyn deceives the English skipper with a slower one. Fuller in length and outside off, Morgan swings his bat early and misses. Smiles exchanged between Eoin and Dale!
Dale Steyn is back on. 3-0-26-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
1
1
1
0
1
2
Tabraiz Shamsi 18/0(3)
11.6
1
Loopy delivery, full and outside off, Morgan mistimes his drive to the right of the cover fielder and scampers across to the other end. There is a shy at the striker's end but Roy is safely in. 6 from the over but runs are coming thick and fast from the other end.
11.5
1
Drops it short and in the line of the middle stump, Roy gets back and punches it to extra cover for a run.
11.4
1
Fullish and around leg, Morgan eases it down to long on for one.
11.3
.
Beaten! Some visible spin there. Flighted and around off, spinning away, Morgan tries playing straight but gets beaten.
11.2
1
Shortish and on off, Roy pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
11.1
2
Flatter and shorter around leg, Roy moves back and forces it to wide long on for a couple. No pressure exerted by the Protea bowler.
In over# 1
4
4
1
1
1
1
Andile Phehlukwayo 27/1(3)
10.6
4
FOUR! Consecutive boundaries to close the over! Shortish ball, drifting down the leg side, Morgan moves across and pulls it wide of short fine leg for a boundary. 12 from the over, the RRR is now 7.8!
10.5
4
FOUR! Aerial but wide of the flying point fielder. Short in length and outside off, Morgan slaps it square of the wicket on the off side and picks up the fence. 100 up for England!
10.4
1
Roy nearly makes a complete mess! Slower length ball around middle and leg, angling down, Jason shuffles across for the paddle shot but is early into it. Luckily for him, it takes the inner half of his bat and gets deflected towards short fine leg. A single has been taken.
10.3
1
Fractionally short in length and outside off, Morgan steers it off his back foot to point and collects another run.
10.2
1
Slower again, on a length outside off, Roy slaps it off his back foot but finds extra cover. Still a run has been taken.
10.1
1
Phehlukwayo steams in from 'round the wicket and angles in a slower full ball on middle, Morgan drives it through extra cover and runs the first run hard. The plan is for the second run but it's not on.
In over# 1
1
0
1
0
1
0
Tabraiz Shamsi 12/0(2)
9.6
1
Knocks a full ball down the ground towards long on for a run. England need 83 more at the halfway mark!
9.5
.
Flashes and misses! Shamsi bowls it short and wide outside off, Morgan goes back to play the square cut but misses. De Kock gets excited for a second.
9.4
1
Goes down on one knee and sweeps a full ball towards fine leg. They cross for a single.
9.3
.
Loopy delivery landing around leg and turning in, Roy jumps back and tries to flick but misses. It goes off his pads to backward point.
9.2
1
Flighted and full around off, Eoin drives it off his front foot to sweeper cover for a run.
9.1
.
Short in length outside off, spinning away, Morgan punches it off his back foot but finds the extra cover fielder.
In over# 1
1
0W
1
1
1
1
Andile Phehlukwayo 15/1(2)
8.6
1
Full on middle, Morgan whips it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
Eoin Morgan, the English skipper, walks in to bat now.
8.5
W
OUT! LBW! Phehlukwayo strikes and the hosts needed this wicket. The 72-run stand is broken. Good length ball on middle and leg, Bairstow looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. The South African players put in an appeal and the umpire agrees with them. Bairstow has a talk with his partner but decides against the review. South Africa are elated.
8.4
1
Short of a length on off, Roy punches it to cover for a single.
8.3
1
Fullish on middle, Bairstow looks to flick but it takes the inside edge and gets hit on the pads. Another run.
8.2
1
EDGY! Length ball on middle, Roy looks to flick but it takes the inside edge and goes onto hit the pads. The ball rolls to the off side and the batters take a single.
8.1
1
Good length ball on off, Bairstow looks to cut but it takes the bottom edge and goes towards the off side. The batters cross for a single.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
1
1
Tabraiz Shamsi 9/0(1)
7.6
4
FOUR! 5th fifty for Jason Roy in T20Is. It has come in just 22 balls, the joint-second fastest for England. Excellent innings from him so far. Short ball on middle, Roy pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
7.5
1
Tosses this one up on middle, Bairstow makes room and then looks to drive. The ball takes the inside edge and goes to short fine leg. A single taken.
7.4
1
Shorter one on middle, Roy tucks it to the leg side for a single.
7.3
1
Flatter one on middle, Bairstow flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
7.2
1
Top edge but safe! Floated ball on middle, Roy looks to play the reverse sweep but it takes the top edge and lobs over the keeper's head. The short fine leg fielder collects it but cannot stop the batters from taking the single.
7.1
1
Shamsi starts with a floated ball on middle, Bairstow works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Here comes the magician. Tabraiz Shamsi to spin his web now.
In over# 1
4
1
1
1
2
1
Andile Phehlukwayo 10/0(1)
6.6
4
FOUR! Beautifully done. Good length ball on middle, Roy moves to the off side and then sweeps it to the fine leg region for a boundary.
6.5
1
On a length on off, Bairstow drives it to long off for a single.
6.4
1
On a length on off, Roy guides it to short third man for a single.
6.3
1
Short delivery on middle, Bairstow pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
6.2
2
NOT OUT! Bairstow has made it in! Good length ball on off, Bairstow punches it towards point. The batters want a couple and they take off. The fielder fires in a very accurate throw, right on top of the stumps and de Kock is quick to take the bails off. They appeal and the on-field umpire takes it upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that Bairstow had dragged his bat in.
A run out appeal has been taken upstairs. Bairstow looks in but let's see what happens.
6.1
1
Phehlukwayo starts with a short delivery on off, Roy punches it to long off for a single. 50-run stand is up between the two.
Andile Phehlukwayo is on now.
In over# 1
1
1
1
4
0
6
Lungi Ngidi 20/0(2)
5.6
1
Slower short ball around off, Bairstow pulls it to short fine leg for a single. England are 68/1 after the Powerplay overs, same as South Africa. Going neck and neck!
5.5
1
Back of a length ball on off, Bairstow taps it to the point region and takes off for a single. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Would not have mattered though.
5.4
1
Slower one on middle, Jason flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
5.3
4
FOUR! This is an excellent start for England. Full delivery on middle, Roy flicks it past the diving mid-wicket fielder and into the fence for another boundary.
5.2
.
Good length ball on middle, Roy pushes it to the off side.
5.1
6
SIX! What a shot that is! Slower ball on middle, Roy makes room and lifts it dead straight over the bowler's head for a biggie. Great flourish of his bat!
Lungi Ngidi is back on. 1-0-7-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
1
0
0
4
4
Dale Steyn 26/1(3)
4.6
1
Another slower one on off, Roy works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 10 from the over!
4.5
1
Slower full toss on middle, Jonny flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
4.4
.
Another slower one outside off, Bairstow looks to pull but fails to get any bat on it.
4.3
.
This time, Jonny defends this slower ball on off to mid off.
4.2
4
FOUR! 50 up for England in quick time! A back of a length ball outside off, Bairstow punches it to the deep point region for a boundary.
4.1
4
FOUR! Cut away! Width outside off, Bairstow does not miss out as he cuts it through the point region for a boundary.
In over# 1
2
4
6
4
6
0
JJ Smuts 22/0(1)
3.6
2
Now some respite as this one does not go to the fence. Floated on off, Roy plays it wide of long on and gets a brace. Massive over for the tourists. It releases all the pressure that was built by Steyn by picking up the wicket of Buttler. 22 off it. It would be interesting to see whether Smuts gets the ball again after this.
3.5
4
FOUR! 20 runs off the last 4 balls. Flatter it comes, flatter it goes! Flatter on middle, Roy smacks it over mid on. Miller runs to his left and dives but the ball goes wide of him and to the fence. De Kock's plan to give the ball to Smuts is backfiring badly here.
3.4
6
SIX! Roy is destroying Smuts. He is under the pump here and Jason is loving every bit of it. Floated on off, Roy stands and delivers this over the long off fence for a biggie. The Englishman is loving it.
3.3
4
FOUR! This one is over extra cover. Roy is going after the spinner here. Flighted on off, Roy goes inside-out over extra cover for a boundary.
3.2
6
IN THE AIR..TAKEN..OVER THE ROPES! SIX! Floated on off and middle, Roy heaves it over mid on. The ball goes high in the air and Miller in the deep takes it but the momentum takes him over the ropes. He tries to release it but cannot do so outside the rope.
3.1
.
Smuts starts with a very full ball on off, Roy squeezes it towards mid off.
JJ Smuts to have a bowl now.
In over# 1
4
0
0
0
0W
1
Dale Steyn 16/1(2)
2.6
4
FOUR! Poor ball to finish a good over from Steyn! Full delivery down the leg side, Bairstow flicks it to the fine leg region for a boundary.
2.5
.
The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.
2.4
.
Good length ball on off, Bairstow defends it to cover.
2.3
.
Wow! Slower full toss on middle, Bairstow thinks that it will be a beamer but the ball is dipping. Bairstow is early into his defense but still manages to defend it out. If he had missed it, he would have been plumb in front. Steyn and Bairstow exchange smiles after that delivery. Is it a new magic delivery in Dale's armoury?
Jonny Bairstow walks in now to bat.
2.2
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Steyn is back in the wickets column. Buttler can be very dangerous and Steyn has removed him. Back of a length delivery on off, Buttler goes after it but gets it off the toe end of the bat. The ball goes towards mid off. David Miller moves a little back and pouches the catch. Steyn becomes the leading wicket-taker for South Africa in T20Is.
2.1
1
Good length ball on off, Roy moves to the off side and flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
4
2
0
0
0
1
Lungi Ngidi 7/0(1)
1.6
4
FOUR! CRACKED! That went like a tracer bullet. Short delivery on off, Buttler hammers the pull to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. Good end to the over for England.
1.5
2
Fullish delivery on middle, Buttler whips it towards deep mid-wicket and picks up a couple.
1.4
.
Play and a miss! This time Ngidi provides width outside off, Buttler looks to cut but fails to get any bat on it.
1.3
.
Good work from Ngidi. Not giving Buttler any room. Good length ball on off, Jos pushes it to cover.
1.2
.
Another length ball on off, Buttler prods forward and defends it to cover.
1.1
1
Ngidi starts with a length ball on middle and leg, Roy works it to the deep square leg region for a single.
Lungi Ngidi to bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
4
4
1
1
1
Dale Steyn 11/0(1)
0.6
.
Dot to end the over. Expensive start for Dale Steyn. 11 from it. Steyn goes full on off, Buttler pushes it to cover to get through the first.
0.5
4
FOUR! On the leg side now. This is the class of this man. Good length ball on off, Buttler moves to his off pole and lofts his flick over mid-wicket for a boundary.
0.4
4
FOUR! First one of the innings. Fuller on off, Buttler gets behind this and steers it through point for a boundary.
0.3
1
No movement for Steyn in the first three balls. Good length ball on off, Roy places it towards mid on and calls for a quick run.
0.2
1
Buttler is off the mark as well. Fuller on off, Buttler nudges it towards mid on and gets a single.
0.1
1
England are off the mark straightaway. Steyn starts with a good length ball on off, it is bowled at 140 kph. Roy runs it down to third man and gets a single.
We are back for the run chase! The Protea players make their way out onto the field. The explosive England openers, Jason Roy and Jos Buttler follow them out. Dale Steyn will start with the ball.
The pitch appears to be a batting-friendly one! The Protea batsmen enjoyed the early conditions against the new ball and England would like to do the same when they come out to chase. Powerplay is going to be crucial for both sides as it will set the tone. The home team looks 20-25 runs short and let's see how they strategize their defense. Don't forget, Dale Steyn will be in action. Do join us in a short while.
Innings of two halves - 105/1 in the first 10 and 72/7 in the next 10!! South Africa dominated the initial play courtesy scintillating batting from Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma and the next phase belonged to the English comeback. Going by the way their bowlers fared, it seems that the pacers are not enjoying much bowling on this deck. In stark contrast, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid revelled the conditions and were by far the best bowlers on show. Although, England's seamers did a fair job at the death to restrict the South African charge. Just 8 runs came off the last two overs.
19.6
W
OUT! RUN OUT! Brilliant bowling from Jordan to end the innings. Very full delivery on middle, almost a yorker. Phehlukwayo can only push it back to the bowler. Steyn takes off for the single. Andile though is late in taking off but even if he did so, it would have been almost impossible for him to make the crease at the non-striker's end. Jordan collects the ball and then runs behind to whip the bails off at his end. Phehlukwayo is nowhere in the picture. Only 5 runs from the last over. SOUTH AFRICA END ON 177/8.
19.5
.
Very well bowled! Very full delivery on middle, Phehlukwayo drives it back to the bowler.
19.4
1
Good length ball on off, Steyn drives it to the cover region for a single.
19.3
4
FOUR! A boundary off the Hat Trick ball! Slower delivery down the leg side, Steyn flicks it to the fine leg region for a boundary.
Chris Jordan is on a hat-trick and it will be Dale Steyn who will face it.
19.2
W
OUT! TIMBER! This is top class bowling from Jordan. A ripper of a yorker from Chris and it fetches him another wicket. It is bowled around middle and off, with some reverse swing on it. Hendricks looks to flick but fails. The ball hits the stumps and Hendricks has to go.
Beuran Hendricks is the new man in.
19.1
W
OUT! TIMBER! You miss, I hit stuff from Jordan. He is excellent at the death and proves it yet again. Full delivery on off, Pretorius looks to lift it over long on but misses and the ball goes on to uproot the off stump. Excellent stuff.
In over# 1
1
1
0W
1
0
0
Mark Wood 32/1(3)
18.6
1
He does end on a high. Just three runs and a wicket from his third and final over. Good length ball on off, Pretorius pushes it to the point region for a single. Very good comeback from Wood.
18.5
1
Short delivery on off, Andile pushes it to the cover region for a single.
Dwaine Pretorius is the new man in.
18.4
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Stokes is not going to drop those. Wonderful stuff from Wood. Low full tosses are usually difficult to hit and this is another one of those occasions. Wood bowls this on middle, Smuts looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and goes towards mid off. Stokes runs ahead and takes a simple catch. England are having a brilliant last few overs.
18.3
1
Low full toss on off, Phehlukwayo misses out as he drives it to deep cover for a single.
18.2
.
Slower short ball outside off, Phehlukwayo is early into his pull and fails to make connection.
18.1
.
BEATEN! Excellent start to the over from Wood! A yorker outside off, Phehlukwayo looks to drive but fails to get any bat on it.
Mark Wood to bowl the penultimate over of the innings. He has not had a good evening so far. 29 is what he has gone for in his 2 overs. Can he end on a high?
In over# 1
1
0
6
1
0
1
Chris Jordan 23/0(2)
17.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Andile clears his front leg and then looks to drive it to the off side. The ball takes the inside half of the bat and goes towards long on for a single.
17.5
.
This is terrific bowling from Jordan! Yorker on the pads, Phehlukwayo looks to dig it out but fails to get any bat on it.
17.4
6
SIX! That has gone a long way! Slower short ball down the leg side, Andile waits for it and pulls it in front of the square leg region for a biggie.
17.3
1
Very full delivery around off, Smuts digs it out to the cover region for a single.
17.2
.
Well bowled from Jordan! Sees the batsman making room and bowls it on a length outside off, Smuts cannot do anything but leave the ball alone. Maybe, he thought it will be wided.
17.1
1
Jordan tries to bowl a yorker but it ends up as a low full toss. Phehlukwayo makes room and looks to drive but mistimes it to wide mid off. A single taken.
Chris Jordan is back on. 1-0-14-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
1lb
1nb
1
2
4
1
1wd
1
Ben Stokes 24/1(3)
16.6
1lb
No it does not! Very good bowling from Stokes. Good length ball outside off, he takes pace off this one. Phehlukwayo looks to play the ramp shot moving across the stumps. He fails to connect and the ball goes to the leg side off his pad for a leg bye. A dozen off the over.
Free Hit coming up!
16.6
1nb
NO BALL! Ben Stokes oversteps. Good length ball outside off, Phehlukwayo throws his bat at it but misses. Will the Free Hit cost Stokes?
16.5
1
On the pads, Smuts flicks it to the leg side for one.
16.4
2
Very good running from this pair. Good length ball on middle and leg, Smuts places it towards cow corner and runs the first one hard. He wants two and he gets it.
16.3
4
FOUR! Good shot! Length ball on the body, Smuts pulls it through the vacant deep square leg region for a boundary.
16.2
1
Length ball outside off, Andile punches it to the off side and gets a single.
16.2
1wd
WIDE! Stokes goes wide outside off, too wide of the tramline. Phehlukwayo looks to cut but misses. Wided by the umpire. 150 up for South Africa with this.
16.1
1
Good length ball away from the leg pole. Smuts backs away and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
In over# 1
1
4
1
6
1
0W
Tom Curran 41/1(3)
15.6
1
A short delivery which has been pulled away. The batsmen have run through for a single. 13 from the over in spite of a big wicket of David Miller in it.
15.5
4
FOUR! Hammered! Short ball on middle, Smuts pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary.
15.4
1
Short ball on middle, Andile pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
15.3
6
SIX! What a way to get your innings underway! Absolutely brilliant. Full on middle, Phehlukwayo makes room and lifts it over the long off region for a maximum.
15.2
1
Slower delivery outside off, Smuts guides it to third man for a single.
Andile Phehlukwayo is the new batsman in.
15.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent catch from Jordan. These kind of catches are not easy to take but Jordan has made it look very easy. Slower length ball on off, Miller looks to lift it over mid off but it takes the top half of the bat. Jordan runs back from mid off and takes a very good catch. South Africa struggling to get going after a stupendous start!
Tom Curran is back on. 2-0-28-0 are his figures.
In over# 1
1
1
1wd
1
1
1
1
Ben Stokes 13/1(2)
14.6
1
Yes, he can! Just 7 off the over from Stokes. He has been superb with the ball in his two overs. Length ball on off, Miller punches it to long off and keeps the strike.
14.5
1
Pulled with power but there is protection in the deep. Good over so far from big Ben. Just 5 singles and a wide so far. Can he finish it well?
14.5
1wd
WIDE! Slower and short down the leg side. Smuts moves and looks to pull but misses. Wided by the umpire.
14.4
1
Stokes bangs it in short as Miller comes down the track. The southpaw manages to pull it towards mid-wicket and get to the other end.
14.3
1
Once again Stokes goes full around the pads, Smuts flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
14.2
1
Full outside off, Miller milks it to long off for a run.
14.1
1
Fuller on off, Smuts plays it towards long on for a single.
Ben Stokes is back on. 1-0-6-1 so far from him.
In over# 1
1lb
1
2
1
1
4
Adil Rashid 23/1(4)
13.6
1lb
Another appeal! Turned down. Rashid bowls a googly on off, spinning in. Smuts looks to push but misses. He gets hit on the pads. Rashid appeals but the umpire is not interested. England have no reviews left. Rashid finishes with 4-0-23-1. Outstanding spell by the leggie.
13.5
1
The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single.
13.4
2
Flatter one on middle, Miller works it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple. The fielder comes across and cleans it up.
13.3
1
Dropped! Jason Roy has dropped a simple catch. England have been pretty poor in the field. Flighted ball on middle, Smuts comes down the track and looks to heave it away. It takes the top edge and goes towards extra cover. Roy runs back a little before settling himself. He fails to hold on and Smuts gets a golden opportunity to prove himself in the international arena.
13.2
1
Loopy delivery on middle, Miller drives it back to the bowler. Rashid makes a half stop and the ball goes towards mid on. The batters take a single.
13.1
4
FOUR! Reverse swept nicely. Floated on middle, Miller reverse sweeps it through the point region for a boundary.
In over# 1
0
1
2
1
1
0
Moeen Ali 22/1(4)
12.6
.
Flatter one on middle, Smuts plays it back to the bowler.
12.5
1
Flighted one on middle, Miller comes down the track and then looks to heave it to the leg side but it takes the inside half of the bat and the ball goes towards deep mid-wicket. A single.
12.4
2
Shorter on middle and off, Miller punches it through covers for a couple.
12.3
1
Darted on the pads, Smuts flicks it with the spin towards mid-wicket for a single to get off the mark.
12.2
1
Tossed up on off, Miller milks it to long off for a single.
12.1
.
Shorter on off, Miller punches it back to the bowler.
Moeen Ali to bowl out.
In over# 1
0
0
0
0W
1
1
Adil Rashid 14/1(3)
11.6
.
Shorter one on off, Smuts punches it to point.
11.5
.
Flatter one on middle, Smuts works it to mid-wicket.
11.4
.
On middle, Smuts punches it back to the bowler.
JJ Smuts is the new man in.
11.3
W
OUT! CAUGHT! This time it has been taken! Ali makes no mistake. Bavuma misses out on a fifty but it was a good innings till it lasted. Loopy one on middle, Temba looks to sweep but it goes off the top edge towards short fine leg. Moeen Ali lunges and takes the catch. England needed this wicket as the minuscule batsman was looking in great touch and taking South Africa to a good total. The visitors have a real chance of restricting the hosts here.
11.2
1
Flatter one on middle, Miller works it to long on for a single.
11.1
1
DROPPED! Tough, tough one for Denly, but it will go down as a dropped catch. Full on middle, Bavuma looks to sweep but it takes the top edge and goes towards deep square leg. Denly runs ahead and dives to catch but the ball pops out. A single taken.
In over# 1
0
0W
1
4
1
0
Ben Stokes 6/1(1)
10.6
.
Full on off, Miller drives it but straight to cover. Brilliant first over from England's go-to man in all aspects of the game. Just the 6 runs and also the big wicket of van der Dussen.
David Miller is the new man out onto the crease.
10.5
W
OUT! Caught! Stokes does the trick and strikes in his first over. The Nelson strikes and a very good stand between van der Dussen and Bavuma comes to an end. Effort ball from the English all-rounder. He bangs it in short on middle and leg. It is close to van der Dussen's body. He looks to pull but cannot time it well. Ends up hitting it in front of deep square leg. Bairstow there comes in and takes a simple catch.
10.4
1
Full on middle, it nips in a bit. Bavuma looks to flick but gets a leading edge and it goes towards point for a single.
10.3
4
FOUR! Gorgeous shot from Bavuma! Moves into the 40s. Full on off, Bavuma leans into the drive, gets into a beautiful position and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.
10.2
1
Full on middle and off, Rassie flicks it towards mid-wicket and gets a run.
10.1
.
Stokes starts with a full delivery on off, van der Dussen pushes it back to the bowler.
Ben Stokes for the first time today with the ball in hand.
In over# 1
1
2lb
0
4
0
1
Adil Rashid 12/0(2)
9.6
1
On middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. 105/1 at the halfway mark!
9.5
2lb
Two leg byes! Loopy one on the pads, van der Dussen looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads. The ball rolls to fine leg and the batters pick up a couple of leg byes. He is adamant to sweep Rashid.
9.4
.
NOT OUT! It is missing the leg stump. Believe us, that looked plumb to the naked eye but the Ball Tracker thinks otherwise. A loopy full toss on middle and leg, van der Dussen looks to sweep but misses to get hit flush on the pads. Rashid and the rest appeal. The umpire thinks for a while and then gives it out. Rassie discusses with his partner and they decide to take the DRS. The Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that the ball will go on to miss the leg stump. Wonder how it decided that the ball will spin down the leg side as it hit the batsman flush on the pads.
Time for a South African review. Rassie van der Dussen has been adjudged LBW off a full toss. After a brief chat with his partner, he has signaled the 'T'.
9.3
4
FOUR! Very clever from van der Dussen! A leg spinner from Rashid, Rassie looks to scoop it towards fine leg but then sees the ball is around off. He adjusts well as he then scoops it towards the third man region for a boundary.
9.2
.
Appeal for LBW turned down! Tosses this one up on middle and off, with some spin away. Rassie looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. Rashid appeals but the umpire shakes his head.
9.1
1
Loopy one on middle, Bavuma sweeps it to short fine leg for a single.
In over# 1
1
4
1
2
4
1wd
0
Tom Curran 28/0(2)
8.6
1
Full delivery on middle, Bavuma works it to long on for a single.
8.5
4
FOUR! This is clever! Slower delivery on middle, Bavuma scoops it over the keeper's head for a boundary.
8.4
1
Fullish delivery on middle, Rassie flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
8.3
2
Good length ball on middle, Rassie whips it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.
8.2
4
FOUR! Misdirected slower delivery! It is bowled down the leg side, van der Dussen just helps it on its way to the fine leg region for a boundary.
8.2
1wd
WIDE! Slower delivery down the leg side, Rassie looks to flick but misses. The umpire signals it as a wide.
8.1
.
Good length ball on off, Rassie punches it to point for nothing.
Bowling change. Tom Curran is back for his second over. He went for 15 in his only over so far.
In over# 1
2
1
1
1lb
1
1
Adil Rashid 6/0(1)
7.6
2
Tossed up on middle, Bavuma sweeps it to deep square and picks up a couple to end the over.
7.5
1
Looped up ball on off, Rassie drives it to long off for a single.
7.4
1
Full on middle, Bavuma sweeps it to short fine leg for a single.
7.3
1lb
An appeal for LBW turned down! Floated ball on the pads, Rassie looks to flick but it hits the thigh pad and rolls to short fine leg. Rashid appeals for LBW but it is turned down. The batters steal a leg bye.
7.2
1
Floated on middle, Bavuma sweeps it uppishly towards deep square leg. The fielder collects it on a bounce. A single.
7.1
1
Rashid starts with a googly on middle, van der Dussen pushes it down to long on for a single.
Adil Rashid is on now.
In over# 1
1
0
1
2
4
1
Mark Wood 29/0(2)
6.6
1
Fuller on off, Rassie drives it towards point for a run. Better over from Wood. 9 off this one.
6.5
.
Play and a miss. Good length ball outside off, van der Dussen looks to poke but misses.
6.4
1
Length delivery on off, Bavuma runs it down to third man for a single.
6.3
2
Good running! Length ball on off, Bavuma glances it towards mid-wicket and runs the first one hard. Stokes gets to the ball but the Protea pair call for two, putting pressure on Stokes. He fumbles allowing them to get two easily in the end.
6.2
4
FOUR! Bavuma is having fun out in the middle. Back of a length ball on off, Bavuma gets on his back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
6.1
1
Better start from Wood this time. He starts with a full ball on middle and off, Rassie flicks it wide of long on and looks for two but the fielder is quick to get there and keeps it down to one.
Mark Wood is on. He has a change of ends. 1-0-20-0 are his figures so far.
In over# 1
1
2
6
0
4
1
Chris Jordan 14/0(1)
5.6
1
Good length ball on middle, van der Dussen works it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 68/1 after the Powerplay!
5.5
2
Another misfield! Full on off, van der Dussen drives it towards mid off where Ali misfields and allows the batters to take a couple.
5.4
6
SIX! Whacked! Good length delivery on middle, van der Dussen whips it over the deep square leg region for a maximum.
5.3
.
NOT OUT! It has gone straight off the bat! Wow, what a waste of a review! Good length ball on middle and off, van der Dussen defends it to cover. England though are convinced that it has gone off the pad first and they put in an appeal. The umpire shows no interest. England take the review. The replays roll in and they show that it has gone off the bat. Wonder what made England go for the review. It has to be one of the worst reviews ever.
England review for LBW against van der Dussen. They think they have their man but van der Dussen looks confident. Let's see what the replays have to say.
5.2
4
MISFIELD AND FOUR! What should have been a single has ended up being a boundary. Short delivery on middle, van der Dussen pulls it to deep mid-wicket. Denly comes ahead but the ball goes between his legs and into the fence.
5.1
1
Jordan starts with a slower ball on middle, Bavuma pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Chris Jordan is introduced into the attack.
In over# 1
1
4
1
0
0
0W
Moeen Ali 17/1(3)
4.6
1
On middle, punched down to long on for a single. End of a successful over from Ali. A wicket and 6 runs from it.
4.5
4
FOUR! Nicely swept away! Floated on middle, Bavuma bends on his knees and sweeps it to the deep square leg region for a boundary.
4.4
1
Van der Dussen is off the mark. Flatter one on middle, Rassie works it down to long on for a single.
4.3
.
Flatter one on middle, van der Dussen works it to mid-wicket.
4.2
.
Loopy on off, Rassie defends it to the off side.
Rassie van der Dussen is the new man in.
4.1
W
OUT! CAUGHT! Big wicket for England and it's Moeen Ali who has provided the breakthrough. Quinton de Kock will be disappointed as he was looking so good out in the middle. Ali tosses this one up on middle, de Kock looks to go big but does not time it well at all. The ball goes high towards deep mid-wicket where Joe Denly is stationed. He settles himself and pouches a simple catch. Flashy start from the skipper but he would have wanted to carry on for a longer duration. The ploy to continue with the off spinner works for Eoin Morgan.
In over# 1
4
2
0
2
1
6
5nb
Mark Wood 20/0(1)
3.6
4
FOUR! Whipped away nicely! Wood dishes another full one on middle, Bavuma flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. Extremely expensive start from Wood, 20 from his first.
3.5
2
Two more! Good length delivery on middle and leg, Bavuma flicks but does not time it well. The ball goes towards deep mid-wicket and the batters make it back for a couple.
3.4
.
Length ball on middle, Bavuma tucks it to square leg.
3.3
2
Good length ball on middle, Bavuma flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.
3.2
1
Full delivery on middle, de Kock flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
3.1
6
SIX! Free Hit and in-form de Kock makes the most of it. Wood struggles again and ends up dishing another full toss around the body. This one is below the waist and the South African skipper gets under it. He smokes it over the fine leg fence for a biggie.
FREE HIT coming up!
3.1
5nb
NO BALL AND FOUR! Wood starts with a beamer bowled at 146 kph. It is around the body, de Kock manages to put bat on ball. He gets a bottom edge on it which goes fine down the leg side for a boundary.
Mark Wood to bowl now. He replaces Tom Curran after he was hammered for 15 runs in his only over.
In over# 1
0
2b
2
2
1
2
Moeen Ali 11/0(2)
2.6
.
Loopy delivery on middle, Bavuma looks to flick but it takes the leading edge and goes towards point. 9 from Moeen's second over.
2.5
2b
Two byes! Flatter one outside off, Bavuma looks to cut but misses. Buttler too fails o collect the ball. The ball rolls towards third man and Bavuma steals two byes.
2.4
2
Half stop! Fullish outside off, Bavuma drives it towards cover where Morgan makes a half stop. The ball goes towards extra cover and before the fielders can stop the ball, the batters make it back for the second.
2.3
2
Top edge but safe! Floated ball on middle, Bavuma looks to sweep but it takes the top edge and goes towards fine leg. Luckily for him, it lands safely and the batters take a couple.
2.2
1
Full on middle, Quinton pushes it down to long on for a single.
2.1
2
Floated on the pads, de Kock works it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple. The fielder throws it to the keeper but de Kock was well in.
In over# 1
1
6
4
4
0
0
Tom Curran 15/0(1)
1.6
1
Good length ball on the pads, de Kock flicks it to the deep square leg region for a single. 15 runs have come from the over.
1.5
6
SIX! This is excellent batting. 14 runs already in this over with one ball to go. Length ball on off, de Kock lunges and lifts it over the extra cover region for a biggie. First one of the game.
1.4
4
FOUR! This is hit with disdain though. Full delivery on off, de Kock hammers it through the mid on region for a boundary.
1.3
4
FOUR! Just over! Fullish delivery on middle, de Kock dances down the track and lifts it towards mid on. The mid on fielder jumps but the ball goes over him and into the fence.
1.2
.
Good length ball on middle, de Kock pushes it down to mid on.
1.1
.
Curran starts with a fuller one on off, de Kock drives it straight to mid off.
Tom Curran will bowl from the other end.
In over# 1
0
1
0
1
1
1
Moeen Ali 4/0(1)
0.6
.
Flatter one outside off, Bavuma looks to punch but it takes the inside half of the bat and rolls back to Ali. Good start from Moeen. Only 4 runs from it.
0.5
1
Flighted on the pads, Quinton works it to the square leg region for a single.
0.4
.
Floated on middle, de Kock lunges forward and defends it back to the bowler.
0.3
1
Flatter one on the pads, Bavuma works it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.
0.2
1
Loopy delivery on middle, de Kock pushes it down to long on for a single. De Kock is off the mark too.
0.1
1
South Africa are away!!! Ali starts with a flatter one on middle, Bavuma is underway by flicking this to deep mid-wicket for a single.
We are all set to begin!!! The England players make their way out to the middle followed by Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma. Moeen Ali will start with the ball for the visitors with Bavuma taking strike.
Both the teams are out there in the field for their respective National Anthems.
Quinton de Kock, the South African skipper says that it is going to be a good surface and they don't mind batting first. States that Dale Steyn is back and it is great to have him back. Goes onto say that Bavuma will open with him. Quinton says that he knows the value of an all-rounder and it is nice to have Dwaine Pretorius back. Finishes by saying that they will give it their best shot.
Eoin Morgan, the England skipper says that they will bowl first. Adds that it is a good wicket and they know exactly what they have to do. States that this T20 series holds a lot of context as there is a World Cup coming up. Goes onto say that Stokes, Wood and Buttler come back in which is great for them. Morgan says that they will need to assess the conditions as the match goes on.
England (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, Dale Steyn, Lungi Ngidi.
Toss - England have won the toss and they choose to bowl first.
Warm welcome everyone for the first T20I between South Africa and England in East London. Every match in this format holds great importance for both teams leading to the World Cup and we can expect the players from both sides to showcase their skill and talent to impress their captain and team management. The return of the likes of Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Dale Steyn will add extra star value to this contest and we're expecting a cracking encounter. Stay tuned for more...
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