Rilee Rossouw hits 96 as South Africa win and level T20 series against England

South Africa levelled the series with a mighty 58-run victory over England in Cardiff on a night of glorious rediscovery for the tourists, for whom both Rilee Rossouw and the ability to catch returned in phenomenal style.

The Proteas’ defeat in Wednesday’s opening fixture in Bristol was marked by some hapless fielding but here they were almost faultless. Their improvement was not confined to catching but nevertheless not a single genuine chance went unsnaffled, with Keshav Maharaj providing the highlight with a fabulous diving grab to dismiss Moeen Ali, leaving England’s score at 88 for four and their chances at minimal.

Several bowlers emerged in significant credit including Tabraiz Shamsi, who leaked 49 runs in three wicketless overs the previous evening and took three for 27 off four here. But if they sealed the deal in the field it was with the bat that South Africa built the platform.

Rossouw, 32, was instrumental in that effort. For the last six years he has wandered, entirely voluntarily, in the international wilderness. This series marks his first appearance in the South Africa side since taking a Kolpak contract at Hampshire and leaving his homeland in acrimony in 2016 and he showed what they have been missing in the intervening period – and what they have now gained as they move towards October’s T20 World Cup.

He finished unbeaten on 96 having faced 55 deliveries, marooned short of his century thanks to a superb final over from Chris Jordan, which cost just four runs. “To put in a performance like that for my country is special for me,” Rossouw said. “Since Brexit happened I’ve put in some really good performances and the management has backed me and selected me. Representing your country is the proudest thing