England beat South Africa by five wickets in opening T20 thanks to Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten knock of 86

An inspired 86 not out from Jonny Bairstow guided England to a five-wicket victory over South Africa in Cape Town. 

The Yorkshireman scored his highest-ever T20 International score as he smashed 86 off 48 balls. Coming into the crease at 27-2, and chasing 180, England’s chances of a result were rapidly fading. But Bairstow’s 85-run partnership with Ben Stokes, who made 37 off 27 balls, enabled Eoin Morgan’s side to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

England will be delighted that Bairstow has found a new role at No 4 as the selectors still don’t know their best batting order.

‘I want to be playing cricket for England – that is first and foremost. As long as I am contributing and putting in match-winning performances, whether that be opening, batting at four or six, then so be it,’ said Bairstow. 

Sam Curran, who got the nod over Moeen Ali, impressed with the ball earlier on and recorded his career best T20 International figures of 3-28, including the wicket of Faf du Plessis for 58. The Proteas batting line-up found it hard to bat against Curran due to his variation and ability to take pace off the ball. The same could not be said about his brother Tom Curran, who was smashed into all four corners of the stadium, including conceding 24 runs off one over. 

Despite this win, Morgan still wasn’t pleased with the performance, perhaps due to the poor start to the run chase. Opener Jason Roy was caught behind second ball off debutant left-arm spinner George Linde, with No 3 Dawid Malan also falling to him after being caught for a 20-ball 19. Morgan himself fell late on as he was caught for 12 off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi.

‘We were pretty average apart from two or three guys. Jonny has had an unbelievable day out. Jonny and Stokes set it up nicely, and to win when you’re not at your best is pleasing,’ said Morgan.

England closed the game in emphatic style with the two best players at the crease, Bairstow and Curran, launching sixes as they chased down the 180 with four balls to spare. 

The second game of the three-match series takes place at Boland Park, Paarl on Sunday at 12:30 GMT. 

By Jon Bazley