Sunday, February 21st, 2016

Abbott Picks Up Three Wickets And Runs Out Morgan As England Go Under

Abbott Picks Up Three Wickets And Runs Out Morgan As England Go Under

Worcestershire 2016 overseas player Kyle Abbott played a major role in South Africa defeating England by nine wickets in Johannesburg to win the T20I series 2-0.

Abbott started a massive collapse by England who lost seven wickets for 14 runs in being bowled out for 171 in 19.4 overs.

The paceman made a crucial breakthrough at 157-3 when Jos Buttler, having made 54 off 28 balls, was caught off a full toss in the covers.

Then Abbott struck again with his next delivery, running out England skipper Eoin Morgan (38) in deflecting a drive from Ben Stokes onto the stumps at the non striker's end.

He picked up two wickets in two balls in the 19th over.

Chris Jordan (1) holed out to mid off and Sam Billings (5) slapped the next delivery straight into the hands of square leg.

Abbott, who will join Worcestershire in early July, finished with 3-26 from his four overs.

South Africa stormed to victory in quickfire fashion thanks to some explosive hitting by AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla whose opening stand was worth 125 in only 8.2 overs.

De Villiers smote 71 off 29 balls with six sixes before he was dismissed but Amla (69 not out) and Faf du Plessis (22 not out) saw South Africa home with 32 balls to spare.

Moeen Ali, who had earlier been dismissed for a single, bowled three overs for 25 overs in his and England's final match of the tour.