Daily Times

BLOEMFONTEIN: South Africa on Sunday took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series after beating England by five wickets in the second ODI 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. David Miller also hit an unbeaten 58, while Aiden Markram also scored a well-crafted 49. Earlier, newcomer Harry Brook and captain Jos Buttler led England to an imposing total of 342 for seven. Brook made 80 off 75 balls and Buttler hit an unbeaten 94 off 82 deliveries. Brook, out for nought in his first ODI during England’s 27-run defeat at the Mangaung Oval on Friday, changed the tempo of the innings after England were sent in to bat on a pitch which offered early swing and seam movement, losing opening batsmen Jason Roy (9) and Dawid Malan (12) cheaply. Brook hit seven fours and four sixes, striking the ball powerfully, particularly on the leg side. Buttler and Moeen Ali (51) shared the biggest stand of the innings, adding 106 for the fifth wicket. There was a brief lull after Ali’s dismissal but England scored 60 runs off the last four overs. Sam Curran hit three sixes in scoring 28 off 17 balls as he and Buttler went on an all-out attack. Buttler’s innings included eight fours and three sixes.