England beat South Africa by 5 wickets to secure the T20I series

In the series finale of the 3-match T20I affair between South Africa and England, it was an absolute entertainment for the fans as more than 400 runs were scored on the day. The bowlers faced a proper hammering as England came up trumps to knock down the home team by five wickets in the series decider at the Super Sport Park in Centurion.

Batting first, South Africa posted a massive total of 222 runs as their opening duo of skipper Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma set the tone for the hosts in the first six overs. It was a batting deck where the bowlers were yet again rendered helpless. A crucial 84-run opening stand battered the English bowlers as they were clobbered to all parts of the ground. 

However, they didn't lose any hope and struck in quick succession to help the tourists spring their way back into the game in the middle-overs. South Africa paid the price of some reckless as they were reduced from 84-0 to 113-3 in less than three overs. 

They needed a strong flourish and the pair of David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen delivered the goods for the team. Klaasen's whirlwind knock of 66 off just 33 balls once again saw the game in balance. He was well aided by Miller who scored a 20-ball 35 to guide his team to a post a huge total of 222 in their 20 overs. 

Chasing 223 to win the series decider, the visitors couldn't put a foot wrong after the early loss of Jason Roy in the second over of the chase. The duo of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler always kept their team in the hunt with a boundary at least every over. Buttler scored an important 57 runs while Bairstow departed for a well-made 64 runs.

It was, however, a case of a much-needed impetus at the back end to win the series 2-1. Skipper Eoin Morgan arrived at the crease during trying circumstances and did the job with the bat in the hand. His inning of 57 off just 22 deliveries proved to be the major difference between the two teams as England cruised to victory with 5 balls to spare. 

Morgan, for his brave efforts in the end, was awarded the Man of the Match and even received the Player of the series honor. It was a dominating effort from the tourists as they end their South African tour with a series win under their belt. 

Cover picture credits: City AM