The Proteas levelled the T20 series by defending 207-3 in the 2nd T20I against England in Cardiff on Thursday to complete a 58-run win.
England won the toss and opted to bowl first on another batting-friendly surface, and the South African openers were quick to seize the conditions on offer. Quinton de Kock got off to a start, but his early dismissal didn’t push back the Proteas by much.
Reeza Hendricks put together another industrious knock, which was his second half-century in as many games. He scored a fluent 53 from 32, with 3 fours and 2 sixes. And more importantly, he effectively rotated the strike throughout his innings.
However, it was Rossouw who stole the show. He may have taken a few extra moments to get himself set but his ability to attack the spinners would set up a brilliant passage of play to come.
Hendricks’ dismissal brought about an end to a fantastic 73-run stand, but that was right around when Rossouw was ready to step on the gas.
Klaasen came and went after a rather brief cameo, but Rossouw continued to unleash his vast array of strokeplay to keep the English bowlers under control.
At one point, it looked like there was an outside chance to reach 220. However, another barnstorming final over from Chris Jordan would forestall a late kick. Rilee Rossouw finished unbeaten on 96 – tantalizingly short of a ton, but that doesn’t take anything away from his phenomenal effort.
The Proteas did well to contain England with the ball. Two key wickets – Buttler fell to Andile (went for 16 in the over) and Dawid Malan was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj.
Shamsi made it 3 by removing Jason Roy as England was reduced to 77-3 halfway through the 9th over.
Shamo continued his brilliance by taking his 2nd dismissing Moeen Ali after 29 off 17 deliveries, Maharaj taking a sublime diving catch at long-on. He took his third in Sam Curran and finished with 3-27.
Rabada then took out Bairstow for 30. He attempted to cut a short delivery and Ngidi took an awkward yet brilliant catch at backward point. England were reeling on 128-6.
Andile Phehlukwayo dismissed Liam Livingstone after 18 off 10 and England were 141-7. He followed that up with the wicket of Adil Rashid, England down 148-8 with 4 overs remaining.
Chris Jordan followed, Ngidi getting a well-deserved wicket. Lungi wrapped things up as England were all out for 150 and SA seeled a 58-run win.
