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Dawid Malan strikes superb 55 as England wins T20I series | World number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan seals series for England

England won the three-match T20I series by winning the first two games against South Africa. Dawid Malan, who is currently the top-ranked ICC T20I batsman, took the team beyond the finishing line in style. England had to chase 147 runs set by their hosts South Africa. Malan hit a crucial 55 runs in 40 balls with seven boundaries in his innings.

Captain Eoin Morgan and Malan compiled a partnership of 51 runs. Malan was awarded the Man of the Match award for his fine innings. “It was either the pitch or me, I struggled for timing early on. Changed when we had to put the foot down, but I found my intent in the end. Made my first-class debut here, nice to come home and win a game for England. We’ve got so many match-winners, over the last four-five years, players are used to getting over the line on the big stage”, he said in the post-match presentation.

Talking about his first rank in ICC cricket, Malan said that he tries to not think about that as it doesn’t guarantee runs or ensures selection in the team. “Everyone feeds off each other in our batting line-up. I’ll look back fondly when I’m done. Morgs changed the momentum, we dovetailed and it was nice to get a partnership going”, he said.

England lost three quick wickets as Shamsi claimed wickets of three hard-hitter – Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes giving his team a fair start in the game. But Malan has his plans straight and stuck by his team until Ngidi took his wicket.

England and South Africa will meet again at Newlands for their third T20I.

Written by Anjali Jha. Follow Anjali on Twitter today.