South Africa defeat England by seven wickets in first T20 – Cricket News Roundup – Part I – September 9, 2012
South Africa won the opening T20 International against England by seven wickets, to gain a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After restricting the hosts to a modest total of 118 for 7, the Proteas chased down the target in 19 overs. Jacques Kallis (48 not out) and JP Duminy (47 not out) shared an unbroken stand of 90 runs from 90 balls to take the side home after once struggling at 29 for 3.
For England, wicketkeeper batsman Craig Kieswetter top scored with a 24-ball 25, while the rest of the batting line-up succumbed for scores inside 20. Robin Peterson and Johan Botha returned with two wickets apiece. Dale Steyn was adjudged as the Player of the Match for a return of one for 13, from four overs.
AB de Villiers, South Africa’s ODI and T20 skipper, has claimed that his side was ready for the World T20 challenge, commencing in Sri Lanka from September 18.
While speaking to media reporters after the seven-wicket victory over England, in the opening T20 International, at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, on Saturday, de Villiers said that the win was an encouraging sign for them ahead of the global tournament.
“I believe this squad is mature and experienced enough to know what they are capable of going into the World Cup (World Twenty20),” said the wicketkeeper batsman. “All the guys seem to be confident and if we keep winning, obviously everyone feeds off that and that's the most important thing,” he added further.
Dav Whatmore, Pakistan cricket team’s head coach, on Sunday expressed delight over his side’s impressive T20 performances against Australia, in Dubai, UAE.
Mohammad Hafeez and men won the opening T20 on Wednesday by seven wickets before pulling off a sensational super over win on Friday, to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Whatmore said that it was good to have a super over experience before going into the World T20 in Sri Lanka.
"I am very much delighted," Whatmore told reporters today. "We can't do any more than to win two out of two, it was an exciting finish but it's good to have the experience of the super over leading up to the World Twenty20," he added further.
The inconsequential third T20 between Pakistan and Australia will be played at the same Dubai venue, on Monday, September 10, 2012.
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