England and South Africa played the first T20 at the county ground in Bristol and it was a game no one will forget in a hurry. The game saw over 400 runs being scored as England came out trumps to take a 1-0 lead in the series. While every big English batter contributed to the huge score of 234, it was Moeen Ali who stole the show with his 16 ball fifty. At the other end it was young Tristan Stubbs who turned out to be a huge positive for his 28 ball 72.
Moeen Ali leaves the Proteas hiding for cover –
Walking into bat with the score reading 112 post the fall of Malan at the end of 12th over, the visitors did not what was in store. The next 35 balls saw Bairstow and Ali add 106 runs to change the complexion of the game. Moeen Ali was severe on the South African bowlers as he took them on and cut loose to score a 16 ball 50 which was the fastest for a English batter. Ali was dismissed by Ngidi not before scoring 52 off 18 balls with 2 fours and 6 massive sixes.
Bairstow and Ali pulverize Phelukwayo –
Another defining moment of the game was when Bairstow and Moeen Ali put Andile Phelukwayo to the sword. The medium pacer was carted for 33 runs in the 17th over of the game. The over began with Bairstow smashing Phelukwayo for 2 massive sixes off the first two balls. The third ball saw two wides, and the next ball Bairstow mistime a shot but the catch was dropped. The 4th ball saw Ali step down the track and hit a six inside out. 5th ball was swung over fine leg for another six, while the last ball too went for a six.
Ngidi picks 5 –
Despite all the carnage, the South Africans had a silver lining when they had Lungi Ngidi taking his 1st T20 fifer. The South African picked 5 for 39 from his 4 overs, with the scalps of openers Roy and Buttler. Nigidi then came back to dismiss Moeen Ali, the dangerous Livingstone and Jonny Bairstow for 90. It was a day to remember for England as they continued to show their aggressive side with the bat and serve notice to others with the T20 WC around the corner.