Chris Morris heroics sink England in last-ball thriller
CAPE TOWN, (Reuters) - Chris Morris smashed 14 off the final over to inspire South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket victory against England in the first Twenty20 at Newlands on Friday.
When Hales and Jason Roy started for England, they looked set for a total close to 200, but lost five wickets for 29 and in the end, got to 134 thanks to a sensible innings from Jos Buttler.
Imran Tahir was the pick of the bowlers and eventually the man of the match for his career-best twenty20 international figures of 4 for 21.
The visitors had a chance to tie the scores and send the match to a 'super over' when paceman Reece Topley fluffed a straightforward opportunity to run out Kyle Abbott from the final ball.
Having set South Africa a modest target of 135, England strangled the run-rate on a wicket that both sides found difficult to score on and looked set to win after leaving South Africa needing 15 runs from Topley's last over.
Morris, however, clubbed a six and a four to lead the home team over the line.
Brief scores:
England 134/8 (20/20 overs)
South Africa 135/7 (20.0/20 overs)
South Africa won by 3 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Tony Jimenez; nick.said@thomsonreuters.com; +27832722948; Reuters Messaging: Reuters Messaging: nick.said.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)