England v South Africa: Rilee Rossouw hits 96 as tourists level T20 series

England v South Africa: Rilee Rossouw hits 96 as tourists level T20 series

England v South Africa: South Africa leveled the series with a 58-run win against England in Cardiff on a night of beautiful rediscovery for the tourists, who saw Rilee Rossouw and the ability to catch both return in spectacular fashion.

The Proteas’ defeat in Wednesday’s opener in Bristol was characterized by some sloppy fielding, but they were nearly immaculate here. Their progress was not limited to catching, but not a single real chance was missed, with Keshav Maharaj delivering the highlight with a fantastic diving grab to remove Moeen Ali, leaving England’s total at 88 for four and their chances at zero.

Several bowlers stood up, notably Tabraiz Shamsi, who had lost 49 runs in three wicketless overs the night before and grabbed three for 27 from four here. But, if they clinched the deal on the field, South Africa established the platform with the bat.

Rossouw, 32, played a key role in that attempt. He has been wandering in the worldwide wilderness for the previous six years on his own volition. This is his first appearance for South Africa since signing a Kolpak deal at Hampshire and leaving his nation in disgrace in 2016, and he demonstrated what they had been lacking in the meantime – and what they have now acquired as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in October.

He finished undefeated on 96 after facing 55 deliveries, four runs short of his century courtesy of a stunning final over from Chris Jordan. “It means a lot to me to put up a performance like that for my nation,” Rossouw remarked. “Since Brexit, I’ve put in some really excellent performances, and management has supported and chosen me.” Representing your nation is the most humbling experience someone can have, and tonight was particularly emotional for me.”

Despite losing Quinton de Kock early, South Africa glided into the middle overs with little controversy or loss. Reeza Hendricks quickly found the form that earned him a half-century in Bristol, while Rossouw merely attempted to stay up.

It had begun promisingly, with Buttler unleashing a barrage of hard strikes. But, like on Wednesday, his stint at the crease was limited, as he spooned an Andile Phehlukwayo delivery into the sky, and Hendricks gathered the ball on its way down.

On an unimpressive evening for the hosts, only one Englishman outscored their skipper, and that by one run – unsurprisingly, Bairstow, who struck 30 off 21 before falling to another magnificent catch, this time from Lungi Ngidi.