England surpasses Australia to reserve the top spot in ICC T20I rankings

After whitewashing South Africa 3-0 in the T20I series, England have climbed to the top most position in the ICC T20I rankings. England finally ended their dominance in the T20I series after registering a nine-wicket victory over hosts in the final match at Cape Town. England had to chase the hefty target of 192 runs, but visitors made in a children’s game as World’s finest T20I batter Dawid Malan played an unbeaten knock of 99 runs.

Malan, who led his team home in utmost style, shared a record second-wicket stand of 167 runs with Jos Buttler. Buttler also appeared in a fine-tune as he smashed 67 from 46 balls to push his team ahead. None of the batsmen from the English team showed signs of fear on their faces as they ended the show in 17.4 overs only.

While South Africa was showing with the willows, Rassie van der Dussen played sublime innings of 74 from 32 balls. On the other hand, Faf du Plessis did his job after placing a fine half-century (52 of 37) for the team. The duo registered a record stand of the fourth wicket after gathering 127 runs in total. However, Malan and Buttler’s master class made sure that efforts from South Africa were in vain.

England whitewashed South Africa on their soil in T20I series

After winning the toss, South Africa elected to bat first and posted a great target of 192 runs. On the other hand, England was in the pure mood of seizing the day for one more time. Du Plessis and Van Der Dussen were in fine form. Even in the midway, South would have avoided the whitewash when Jason Roy was dismissed by ace pacer Anrich Nortje. However, things looked unstoppable for visitors when Malan and Buttler set their tone.

The splendid troubled left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and pacer Lutho Sipamla in particular. They conceded 57 and 45 runs respectively in their quota of four overs. Dawid Malan was adjudged as a player of the series for his sheer class with the bat. England won the 1st T20I by five wickets and the 2nd match by four wickets.

🔝 of the rankings! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

England's clean sweep of South Africa has put them above Australia in the @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Team Rankings 👏🎉 pic.twitter.com/sN7ZyU9xw5

— ICC (@ICC) December 1, 2020