South Africa smash 97-5 in rain-marred T20 opener against England / Photo: Adrian Dennis - AFP
South Africa smash 97-5 in rain-marred T20 opener against England
South Africa struck 97-5 inside eight overs in a rain-marred first T20 against England in Cardiff on Wednesday.
Several batsmen made quickfire 20s after the Proteas, fresh from a 2-1 ODI series win over England, were sent in to bat at Sophia Gardens.
Heavy rain initially reduced the first of three T20s from the standard 20 overs per side to nine.
But following a delayed start, a fresh downpour meant South Africa's innings was halted at 97-5 off 7.5 overs, with England set a revised target of 69 in five overs to win under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method for rain-affected limited-overs matches.
South Africa captain Aiden Markram led the way with 28 off 14 balls, including two fours and two sixes, while Donovan Ferreira struck three sixes in his 25 not out and Dewald Brevis cleared the ropes three times in a 10-ball 23.
Fast bowler Luke Wood, playing after England decided against risking express quick Jofra Archer in the wet conditions, led the attack with 2-22 in his two overs after having Proteas opener Ryan Rickelton caught behind for a golden duck.
D.Findlay--EWJ
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