Proteas flounder at Kingsmead as England bounce back to level ODI series

England bounced back with a clinical six-wicket win to level the three-match series in the second ODI at Kingsmead in Durban.

Chasing a mere 135 to win, England were comfortable in the run-chase with an opening stand of 69-run between Tammy Beaumont (34) and Maia Bouchier (33) setting them up for victory.

While Annerie Dercksen picked up the opening pair, England were always in control of the run-chase.

Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed with a handy 30, while Danni Wyatt-Hodge made an unbeaten 25 to take England to victory with 156 balls to spare.

Earlier, the Proteas had a horror run with the willow as they collapsed after being sent to bat first.

The only partnership of note was a 58-run stand between captain Laura Wolvaardt and Dercksen (29). However, the hosts soon came undone by the spinning duo of Charlie Dean and Sophie Ecclestone, who shared seven wickets between them.

Wolvaardt made 35 before she was bowled by Ecclestone with all-rounder Chloe Tryon back in the runs with a 49-ball 45 (hitting eight fours).

The Proteas were eventually whittled out for 135 in the Black Day ODI, where SA played in black in solidarity against the fight against gender-based violence.

The final ODI is on Wednesday at 14:00 in Potchefstroom.

Scores in brief:

South Africa 135 all out in 31.3 (Tryon 45, Wolvaardt 35, Dean 4/45, Ecclestone 3/27)

England 137-4 in 24 (Beaumont 34, Bouchier 33, Dercksen 2/22, Kapp 1/14)

Result: England won by six wickets