Record-breaking AB de Villiers stars as South Africa crush sorry England to win T20 series

AB de Villiers produced another mesmeric performance to guide South Africa to a nine-wicket victory over England to clinch the two-match T20 series in Johannesburg. The 32-year-old struck the fastest half century by any South African player in the shortest form of the game, from 21 balls, as the hosts chased down their target of 172 in double quick time.

England had been on course to set a mammoth total but misfortune and lacklustre batting saw them lose their last seven wickets for 14 runs with two balls of the innings to spare. Jos Buttler struck a sublime 54 from just 28 balls but his dismissal sparked a calamitous collapse which swung the game in the Proteas' favour.

South Africa stormed to the total in explosive manner with De Villiers [71] putting on 125 for the first wicket with Hashim Amla [69 not out] before captain Faf du Plessis [22 not out] knocked off the winning runs with 32 balls still remaining. Victory sees them win the T20 series 2-0 with a fifth straight win over England, who travel to India for next month's World Cup off the back of a five-match losing streak in limited overs cricket.

"We had two men at the crease who were in and from there 190-200 was on the cards, but the fact we didn't even get to 180 was disappointing," said skipper Eoin Morgan, whose side were 157 for 3 before the innings fell apart. "Then we started terribly with the ball. I'm not sure it's naivety, there was an element of bad luck. I'd rather be honest, we missed our length too much and we were punished. I honestly think [we are on the right track] and can win an ICC event, whether it's this one or in 2017."

Du Plessis' team head into the World Cup in contrasting shape, having won seven of their last eight T20 matches and must now be regarded as one of the contenders for the title on the sub-continent. "We started very well, then it got away from us a little, but it was important how we came back," he said. "So that was important learning for us. There was great catching. We work a lot on it. Today was a good wicket for playing shots and AB played his 360 shots which made it easier for everyone else. I'm a very happy captain."