Cricket-Morgan leads England to Twenty20 victory over S.Africa

By Ken Borland

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Free-scoring Eoin Morgan made England's highest individual Twenty20 score to lead them to a one-run victory over South Africa under the Duckworth/Lewis method after a rain-hit match at the Wanderers on Friday.

The Irishman scored 85 not out off just 45 deliveries and shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 98 in nine overs with captain Paul Collingwood (57) as England racked up 202 for six, their highest total in Twenty20 cricket.

South Africa had reached 127 for three after 13 overs when the umpires called the players from the field due to heavy thundershowers. According to Duckworth/Lewis calculations, South Africa needed to have scored 129 to win the match.

The slightly-built Morgan showed he is a lethal batsman as he smashed five sixes and seven fours, with tremendous power and timing, as well as skilful improvisation.

His 85 not out surpassed the 79s scored by Collingwood against West Indies in 2007 and by Kevin Pietersen versus Zimbabwe in 2007/8.

England's total also improved on the 200 for six they scored against India in Durban in 2007/8 during the ICC World Twenty20.

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