A personal-best masterclass from Rilee Rossouw, playing his first international series in six years, has fronted a tremendous batting display from the Proteas in the 2nd T20I at Cardiff.

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.

In any case, this is an imposing score at halftime. Will the Proteas bowlers back up the fireworks from the batters, or will England hunt it down?

Tune in for the chase shortly.

SA 207/3 in 20 overs (Rossouw 96*, Hendricks 53 – Ali 2-0-17-1)