KFC T20 International Series
England VS South Africa, Third Match
Played at Cape Town on 1 December 2020
England 192/1 in 17.4 Overs (David Malan 99*, Jos Buttler67*) beat South Africa 191/3 (Van der Dussen 74, Faf du Plesssis 52*) by 9 Wickets
England Won The Series 3-0
Player of The Match: David Malan
Player Of The Series: David Malan
A world record setting unbroken 174 second wicket T20 International partnership between the top ranked T20 batsman majestic Malan and master blaster Buttler led rampant English Lions pulverising South Africa by 9 wicket in the third T20 International at Cape Town.
Pommies English Washed the Proteans 3-0. Malan remained not out 99 in 47 deliveries. Buttler playing the second fiddle remained unbeaten on 67 batting for 46 balls. South Africa scoring 192/1 in 17.4 Overs overhauled the impressive score of 191/3 of South Africa. England Won the first match by 5 wickets. and the second by 4 wickets. This was a comprehensive series whitewash. The teams will now play three ODIs. With too many inform impact players England appears to be a team that can upset the rhyme of any team of the world at the moment. David Malan, the top ranked ODI batsman ahead of Babar Azam of Pakistan was the man of the match in the second and the third match. He was also adjudged the man of the series.
If I say England looks like the most formidable cricket team in all format at this moment, I do not think many would argue. Their nail-biting win of the 2019 ICC world cup against New Zealand in the Final at Lords must have infused a new lease of the life. During the ongoing CORONA pandemic ECB has invested fortune in creating the best bio bubble care of the cricketers. They kept their cricket going though being one of the worst heat countries of the pandemic. They have abundance of quality cricketers, horses for the courses for all formats. Now their investment is paying dividends.
After the easy sailing by the English Lions in the first two matches South Africans appeared to be turning around posting an impressive 191/3 batting first once again. Ever improving Rassie van der Dussen (74*) and Faf du Plessis (52*) producing unbroken 127 runs 4th wicket partnership appeared salvaging some pride. But that was undone Malan –Buttler blazing, the 167 runs second wicket Malan –Buttler partnership was the highest by England and the second highest in T20Is. Malan scored 99 off 47 deliveries while Buttler playing second fiddle scored 67 of 46 balls. Winning by 9 wickets England surpassed Australia reaching the number one ranking in T20Is.
English players were in constant touch with active cricket even during the pandemic. West Indies, Pakistan, Ireland and Australia played international cricket in England. The domestic cricket was also held observing strict bio bubble protocols. At this moment England has very rich resources of quality players for all formats. In white ball cricket they have Roy, Buttler, Malan, Stokes, Bairstow, Morgan, Curran Brothers. Any of these can play match-winning innings. Even Archer and Adel Rashid are good enough batsmen. They have good pace and spin attack as well.
South Africans had administrative issues. Cricket Board was under ICC scan. For reasons best known their X-factor AB devilries return is delayed. Ace bowler Rabada got injured. In this situation cannot say they can make a comeback even in ODI series as England is also the current ICC World Cup Champions.
BDST: 1139 HRS, DEC 02, 2020
SMS
