Morgan spark for England victory

CRICKET NEWS: AN IMPUDENT knock from Eoin Morgan provided the spark as England claimed their first win over South Africa in a Twenty20 international in Johannesburg yesterday.

The 23-year-old Dubliner smashed 85 runs off just 45 balls, the highest total any English player has managed in this format, as the visitors sneaked home by the narrowest of margins.

The unpredictable weather also played a part, restricting the home side to just 13 overs before the heavens opened over the Wanderers. At that stage South Africa had reached 127 for three and a enthralling finish was in prospect as they set about overhauling England’s total of 202. But with no further play possible, England took victory by a single run under the Duckworth, Lewis method.

The omens weren’t good for England, who had a disastrous start with Charl Langeveldt trapping Joe Denly leg before wicket with the very first ball of the innings. Jonathan Trott, returning to his homeland, steadied the ship with 33 before he fell to a needless run out.

Morgan then joined Paul Collingwood in the middle, and quickly set about the South Africa attack. Displaying a dazzling array of shots, including an outrageous paddle shot over fine leg for six, Morgan swiftly raced past the 50 mark. By the time his unbeaten innings was complete, the left hander had found seven boundaries and smashed five sixes.

Once Loots Bosman had his turn he was brutal on the bowlers, hitting Tim Bresnan for 10 off the second over and then James Anderson for 16. The hosts raced past 50 in the sixth over, just as their captain hit six boundaries from eight balls, three of them going for six.

Bosman brought up his half-century from just 26 balls before Luke Wright finally had Smith caught by Morgan at deep point for 41. After taking his side past 100 in the 10th over, Bosman also perished, skying Graeme Swann to Collingwood at midwicket.

Sajid Mahmood put his side in control when he trapped JP Duminy lbw and with the score at 121 for three after 12 overs, it meant South Africa needed just seven from the 13th over to force a tie. But AB de Villiers and Albie Morkel managed just six before rain halted play.