Luus, Lee keep SA’s hopes alive

Half-centuries by Suné Luus and Lizelle Lee saw the Momentum Proteas bounce back from Wednesday’s demoralising double loss to beat England by six wickets in Somerset.

It was South Africa’s second T20 international victory over the hosts as they kept their triangular series hopes alive in England’s round of doubleheaders on Saturday.

The visitors successfully chased their highest-ever T20I total of 161 as Lee got their innings off to a blistering start with a 37-ball 68 (4x4s, 6x6s), followed by an unbeaten 63 from 52 balls from Luus (6x4s, 2x6s).

Dané van Niekerk’s charges posted a winning 166/4 with three deliveries to spare, including 14 runs from the last three deliveries faced by Luus off Katherine Brunt, plus a six to seal the match.

The skipper’s good batting form continued as she chipped in with a notable 25 from 19 deliveries.

Earlier, England put 160/5 on the board after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Their innings was again led by Tammy Beaumont (71 off 59 balls), who hit her third consecutive score over 50 in the series so far.

Other contributions came from Heather Knight and Sarah Taylor, who added respective scores of 35 not out and 20.

South Africa’s Shabnim Ismail (2/27) and Zintle Mali (2/39) picked up two wickets apiece.

The visitors will have five days to prepare for their next encounter against New Zealand as the series moves to Bristol, where the White Ferns will play their round of doubleheaders.