Dawid Malan stars in England’s four-wicket win against South Africa

Dawid Malan helped guide England to a four-wicket win over South Africa to wrap up the T20 series 2-0 with a game to spare. 

Malan’s 55 off just 40 balls was vital as they recovered from 83-4 to successfully chased down 147 off the penultimate ball. 

The left-hander, who was back on the ground where he made his first-class debut, put on a fifth-wicket partnership of 51 from 27 balls with captain Eoin Morgan. 

“When I was fielding on one side of the ground my high school coach was one of the guys throwing the ball back, then in the stand was the guy that throws balls to me when I come back to visit my parents. It’s always nice to come back,” said man-of-the-match Malan.

With just 13 runs left, the 33-year-old was expertly caught on the boundary by Reeza Hendricks but Morgan’s steady 26 not out was enough to seal the victory. 

South Africa staggered to 146-6 earlier on with captain Quinton de Kock top scoring with just 30 runs. Adil Rashid finished on 2-23 after an impressive bowling display by the leg-spinner. 

Tabraiz Shansi was the pick of the Proteas bowling attack as he finished with his T20 career best figures of 3-19, taking the wickets of England trio Jos Butler, Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes. 

The slow pitch benefitted both sets of spinners with most of the batsmen finding it hard to time the ball with any great conviction.

Jason Roy will be under pressure to perform in the final match in Cape Town on Tuesday as the opener yet again failed to make an impact after getting caught on 14 off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi. 

Although England weren’t at their best, Morgan remains positive: “Experience helps in holding your nerve. Today’s performance was very pleasing.”

“Everyone in the changing room will applaud the bowling unit. Everybody contributed,” he added. 

The final match of the series takes place in Cape Town today at 16:00 GMT.

By Jon Bazley