Quinton de Kock’s record-breaking half-century was in vain as the Proteas fell 2 runs short of a victory against England in the 2nd T20I in Durban, writes Khalid Mohidin.
The Proteas started off their run chase as desired. It was led by a spectacular performance by skipper Quinton de Kock, who struck the highest half-century by a South African in a T20I.
He reached his milestone in 17 balls and was dismissed by Mark Wood after 22-ball 65 (8 sixes and 2 fours).
This was after a collective batting performance got England to 204/7, with South Africa needing a record chase at Kingsmead.
The previous highest total chased in Durban was 157/9, with South Africa scoring 158/9 against Australia in 2016 to seal a win.
Temba Bavuma’s display in the field was the main positive during England’s innings.
Although Lungi Ngidi was the Proteas’ best wicket-taker with 3/48, it was thanks to Bavuma taking two of those.
The first catch was the result of Moeen Ali scooping a slower delivery high towards Bavuma at long-on, where he pulled it close to his chest. This put an end to a destructive 11-ball 39.
This was after he took a similar catch at long on to hand Andile Phehlukwayo his second wicket, that of Eoin Morgan.
His final catch was sensational. Chris Jordan aimed to smash one over long-off, but Bavuma sprinted around the boundary, put in the dive and completed a successful role to hold on to the catch.
Ben Stokes (47) pushed England over the 200-run mark, leaving the Proteas with a record chase at Kingsmead in their sights.
De Kock gave the foundation needed for the Proteas to kick on.
He was well supported by Bavuma as the pair strung together 92 runs for the opening stand.
But both openers were dismissed at key moments during the match.
The brains trust then presented a challenge to David Miller, sending him up the order at No 3.
Miller showed flashes of brilliance but after he lost his partner Bavuma (31), and then lost his wicket after a 16-ball 21 to Ben Stokes.
Jon-Jon Smuts (13) and Andile Phehlukwayo (0) fell as the Proteas brought up 158.
Rassie van der Dussen was also exquisite despite the defeat. He scored an unbeaten 26-ball 43 (2 fours, 3 sixes).
With 15 needed off the last over Dwaine Pretorius hit a six off the second Tom Curran ball and a 4 off the third delivery.
He ended with 25 off 13 balls to take the Proteas to 3 off 1 ball before losing his wicket.
Bjorn Fortuin failed to score the winning runs as England sealed a 2-run win.
Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix
