Morgan leads England to victory against Proteas in T20 WC warm-up tie

Bridgetown (Barbados), Apr 30(ANI): England batsman Eoin Morgan steered the Three Lions to a five-wicket win against South Africa in their final warm-up game before the Twenty20 World Cup.

Morgan scored 63 from 62 balls, as England recovered from nine for three to chase down the target of 126 with three balls to spare.

The left-hander came to the crease with the team in trouble, as Michael Lumb (four) and Kevin Pietersen (0) had fallen in the first over to Rory Kleinveldt before Craig Kieswetter (five) departed to Morne Morkels.

Morgan also shared a crucial 71 run stand with skipper Paul Collingwood, who scored 22 off 26 balls, to play the supporting role, The Telegraph reports.

Earlier, South Africa chose to bat first, but was restricted to 125 for five by some excellently tight new-ball bowling from Ryan Sidebottom and Tim Bresnan.

The bowling saw Graeme Smith, normally the most robust of players, require 13 deliveries to open his account, while Loots Bosman (10) and Herschelle Gibbs (one) both went cheaply.

J.P. Duminy (30 not out) and Albie Morkel (32 not out) applied some late impetus, as the Proteas hauled their total from 66 for 5 in the 15th over to their eventual score.

England spinner Michael Yardy was again the pick of the bowlers, and finished with two for 25 in his four overs.

Brief Scorecard:

South Africa: 125-5 (J.P. Duminy 30 not out, Albie Morkel 32 not out; Michael Yardy 2-25)

England: 127-5 (Eoin Morgan 63, Paul Collingwood 22; Rory Kleinveldt 2-22) (ANI)