Bosman,Smith lead SA to 84-run win

South Africa openers Graeme Smith and Loots Bosman went on a six-hitting spree as they battered England’s bowlers in a world record opening partnership and set up a 84-run win in the second and final Twenty20 international against England at SuperSport Park on Sunday.With this win,the hosts levelled the series after England had won the first T20 by one run via D/L method.

South Africa made 241 for six,the second-highest total in Twenty20 internationals,after Smith and Bosman put on 170 for the first wicket in 13 overs. In reply,England conjured up 187 for 8 with Jonathan Trott scoring a half-century. Kevin Pietersen,who returned after a long injury lay-off scored 29 as Dale Steyn and Albie Morkel picked two wickets apiece.

Earlier,Alastair Cook,who was the stand-in captain,saw sixes fly into the crowd. A total of 17 sixes and 19 fours were hit in the innings. Smith hit six sixes and eight fours as he made 88 off 44 balls,while Bosman cleared the boundary nine times and hit four fours in making 94 off 45 deliveries. Only 14 runs were scored off the first three overs before Smith and Bosman went on the rampage,with 21 runs hit off Sajid Mahmood’s first over.

Brief scores: South Africa 241 for 6 (L Bosman 94,G Smith 88) beat England 157 for 8 (J Trott 51,K Pietersen 51; Steyn 2/29,Morkel 2/35)