Denly helps England to victory

Kent batsman Joe Denly scored his second successive half century for England in their 3rd One Day International (ODI) against South Africa on Sunday

South Africa batted first and reached 256-7, with Quinton de Kock and David Miller both scoring 69. Adil Rashid took 3-51 and Saqib Mahmood picked up his first ODI wicket on debut.

Coming in ‘at five’ with the score at 86-3, Joe, alongside Joe Root steadied the ship, sharing a 76-run partnership before Root departed on 49. Somerset batsman Tom Banton joined Joe at the crease, and the pair put on a 70-run partnership, during which Joe reached his fourth ODI half century.

Joe eventually departed having top scored again with 66, falling to Lungi Ngidi as Andile Phehlukwayo took a catch in the deep. Tom Banton fell in the next over, after which Tom Curran and Rashid came and went as England lost four wickets for 20-runs. An unbeaten 17 from Moeen Ali saw England win the last ODI and ensure the series was drawn 1-1.

Joe was England’s top scorer in the series, scoring 153-runs (87 & 66). The second ODI was rained off.

The first T20 International starts at 1600 GMT on Wednesday 12th February.