Bavuma century sets up series win for South Africa

South Africa on Sunday took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after beating England by five wickets in the second T20I in Bloemfontein.

Chasing a target of 343, the Proteas rode on captain Temba Bavuma's century to cross the finishing line in the final over.

Bavuma hit 109 as South Africa chased down an England total of 342 for seven, winning with five balls to spare. Bavuma battled cramps shortly before reaching his hundred. With his score on 96 there was a lengthy break while he received treatment. He reacted in emotional fashion when he hit the next ball from Adil Rashid through the covers for four.

He thumped his chest and pointed to his name on the back of his shirt.

David Miller also hit an unbeaten 58, while Aiden Markram also scored a well-crafted 49. Earlier, top-knocks from Jos Buttler and Harry Brook guided England to 342/7 in 50 overs against South Africa in the second ODI, at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on Sunday.

Bavuma said it was a confidence-boosting performance from his team, who have yet to qualify automatically for the World Cup later this year. “We knew we had to come out and play. We played the conditions, which were good for batting.”