Dawid Malan Sets Up England T20 Series Win Over South Africa

Dawid Malan became England's top-scoring Twenty20 international debutant as they beat South Africa by 19 runs at Cardiff on Sunday to seal a 2-1 series win despite resting regular skipper Eoin Morgan. Malan, playing in place of fellow Middlesex left-hander Morgan, made 78 in a total of 181 of eight after England were sent into bat by South Africa captain AB de Villiers. South Africa then collapsed to 86 for five, with leg-spinner Mason Crane taking the prize scalp of de Villiers (35) for his first wicket at this level.

They rarely threatened England's total, despite some big-hitting late on from Mangaliso Mosehle (36) and Andile Phehlukwayo (27 not out).

The Proteas' fate was effectively sealed when Tom Curran, in just his second match at this level, conceded just seven runs off the penultimate over on his way to two for 22.

Man-of-the-match Malan's impressive 44-ball innings featuring 12 fours and two sixes, surpassed the 46 made by Paul Collingwood in England's very first match at this level - a 100-run win over Australia at Southampton in 2005.

"It was awesome. I definitely wasn't expecting that," Malan told Sky Sports at the innings break. "It's always nice to contribute and get a score under your belt. My legs were shaking first ball so I got the old school leave out, then I tried to do what I do best."

Alex Hales and Malan shared a second-wicket stand of 105 in 10.3 overs. But from 166 for three, England lost their next five wickets for 14 runs. Dane Paterson, who was twice on a hat-trick, led South Africa's attack with four for 32.

Jason Roy, dropped on nought, fell for eight when caught behind trying to ramp fast bowler Morne Morkel. His exit brought in Malan.

Born in London but brought up in South Africa, Malan got off the mark in style by pulling Morris for six over midwicket.