Morgan inspires England win

Morgan: Strong display

World Cup Warm Up Match
Barbados
South Africa 125-5 Innings Complete v England 127-5 (E J G Morgan 63)

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Another solid display from Eoin Morgan against South Africa allowed England to complete an undefeated ICC World Twenty20 warm-up campaign.

England lurched to nine for three in the third over of their reply to the Proteas' 125 for five, but Morgan stepped in to make a valuable contribution of 63.

The diminutive left-hander dominated a much-needed fourth-wicket stand of 71 in 11 overs with Paul Collingwood, storming to a 53-ball half-century.

Morgan eventually holed out in the deep off Juan Theron for 63, but Luke Wright and Tim Bresnan wrapped things up for England as they won with three balls to spare.

Their run-chase was under pressure almost immediately when openers Michael Lumb and Craig Kieswetter hit just one boundary apiece before making their exits, the former chopping Rory Kleinveldt's delivery on to his stumps in the first over, while the latter upper-cut Morne Morkel into the waiting hands of third-man.

Kevin Pietersen went for a first-ball duck straight after Lumb's dismissal as Kleinveldt claimed two wickets in as many balls.

Composure

After the top-order trio had managed just nine runs between them, Morgan and Collingwood (23 off 26) kept their composure to tilt the balance back in England's favour.

The South African batsmen had earlier failed to gain control until JP Duminy, who finished up unbeaten on 30, and Albie Morkel (32 not out) staged a late recovery with an unbroken stand worth 58.

It took skipper Graeme Smith 13 balls to score his first run, with Ryan Sidebottom starting the match with a maiden after his recall to replace the rested James Anderson.

Wickets started falling early on, with Loots Bosmon hitting Stuart Broad to mid-wicket and Herschelle Gibbs run out for a single as he tried to return for two.

Michael Yardy claimed two victims with Smith stumped and AB de Villiers bowled trying a big drive, while fellow spinner Graeme Swann removed Mark Boucher with a short ball, which was only helped into the hands of short third-man.