South Africa 174 for 8 (de Villiers 46, Curran 3-33) beat England 171 for 6 (Roy 67, Morris 2-18) by three runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
AB de Villiers smashed 46 off 20 before his bowlers tripped up England in the final overs © Getty Images
The dismissal of Jason Roy, given out for obstructing the field, changed the course of a game that England appeared to have won and saw South Africa level the T20 series at 1-1 with one to play.
Roy, with his first 50 in 11 international innings, appeared to have put England on course for a series-clinching victory as he added 110 in 70 balls with Jonny Bairstow for England’s second wicket. But when Bairstow lofted to mid-on and Roy was given out a few deliveries later, South Africa’s seamers – enjoying a track offering pace and bounce – turned the screw in expert fashion amid failing light and mounting excitement.
The result was uncertain until the final delivery after Liam Dawson hit the penultimate ball for four. Had it travelled another six inches, it would have left England requiring just two to win from the final ball. As it was, Dawson was required to hit another four (or three to ensure a Super Over) and was unable to make contact with his heave.
While the decision to give Roy out – made after consultation with the TV umpire – was booed by a partisan, passionate crowd, it wasn’t especially controversial. Having been sent back by Livingstone, Roy turned to regain his ground and, in doing so, ran across the pitch so he was in between the fielder – Andile Phehlukwayo, at point – and the stumps. The throw subsequently hit Roy on the boot. The TV umpire, Tim Robinson, could have made no other decision. It was, however, the first such dismissal in international T20 cricket.
More to follow…
George Dobell is a senior correspondent at ESPNcricinfo
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Source: ESPN Crickinfo