Bairstow guides England to victory in Cape Town

Cape Town: Jonny Bairstow made his highest Twenty20 international score as England beat South Africa by five wickets in the series opener in Cape Town. Coming to the crease at 27-2, chasing 180 to win, Bairstow hit nine fours and four sixes in a magnificent unbeaten 86 off 48 balls.

He was ably supported in a 85-run partnership with all-rounder Ben Stokes, who made a 27-ball 37.

Earlier, Sam Curran - chosen over spinner Moeen Ali - recorded his best T20 international bowling figures as he took 3-28, including the key wicket of Faf du Plessis for 58.

South Africa’s total of 179-6 was 21 more than the average first-innings T20 total at Newlands, and England were struggling at 34-3, but Bairstow’s brutality guided them to an excellent win with four balls to spare.

Bairstow said: “Cape Town seems to be one of my favourite grounds. It’s an amazing place to play cricket. It was just unfortunate we didn’t have a special crowd to witness a game like that.

“I want to be playing cricket for England

- that is first and foremost. As long as I am contributing and putting in match-winning performances, whether that be opening, batting at four or six, then so be it.

“We’ll look to improve in the next game. There are people throughout our side that are able to take the game away from other teams.”

South Africa captain Quinton de Kock: “We did think it was a good total. But unfortunately it didn’t come off tonight. Jonny batted really well - he changed his game plan to the pitch and conditions.”

SCORECARD

South Africa 179-6 (20 overs): Du Plessis 58 (40), S Curran 3-28; England 183-5 (19.2 overs): Bairstow 86* (48), Stokes 37 (27), Linde 2-20 England won by five wickets.