England beat the
Proteas by two wickets to tie the three-match ODI series 1-1 at the Wanderers yesterday.
Entering the match 1-0 up after beating their visitors in the first clash at Newlands last week, South Africa had hope of claiming a series win over the world champions after Friday’s second ODI in Durban washed out.
But after scoring just 256/7 in their 50 overs, the Bullring soon became the lion’s den as Joe Denly’s knock of 66 steered his team to a nervy victory.
Earlier in the day, England captain Eion Morgan won the toss and decided to bowl first.
Proteas captain Quinton de Kock then led from the front again, scoring 69 runs before he was clean bowled by leg spinner Adil Rashid (3/51).
At the time of his departure, South Africa were on 140/4 and in need of a hero.
Big -hitting David Miller put up his hand and hit an unbeaten 69 to steer the team to 256/7.
England’s top order then took control of the game, though, with Jonny Bairstow (43) and Joe Root (49) both getting valuable runs.
But it was Denly who paved the way for the win, ultimately
losing his wicket on 232/5.
When they lost Tom Banton (32) to Beuran Hendricks (3/59) without adding to the score, SA felt they were back in the game at 232/6.
And when Lungi Ngidi (3/63) removed Tom Curran (5) and Rashid (2) with five more runs to get, the Proteas sniffed a famous win.
But Moeen Ali (17*) and Chris Jordan (0*) took the visitors home.