Denly hits 23 as England beat South Africa A in Potchefstroom

Tour Match: England beat South Africa A by 4 wickets
17 November 2009 at Potchefstroom

South Africa A won the toss and elected to bat

South Africa A: 279-9, 50 overs

England: 281-6, 48.1 overs

England’s cricketers, including Kent’s Joe Denly (pictured), warmed up nicely for the upcoming one day series with South Africa, beating South Africa A by four wickets in Potchefstroom.

Replying to the hosts’ score of 279-9, skipper Andrew Strauss gave his side a fine start. He made 65 and shared in an opening stand of 68 with Denly. The talented Kent opener scored 23 from 29 balls, including three boundaries, before he became one of two wickets for Rory Kleinveldt.

At 165-4, with less than 17 overs to go, England looked to be on the wobble but the in-form Jonathan Trott hit 74 and Matt Prior 54. All-rounder Luke Wright then weighed in with an unbeaten 25 as the tourists got home with 11 balls to spare.

Earlier, Wright had been the pick of England’s bowlers. He returned figures of 2-48 while Denly took 1-20 from his three overs of spin.

The first one day international between South Africa and England begins on Friday in Johannesburg.

Picture: Getty Images