Cricket news round-up – February 15: England win second T20I thriller to level series

England and South Africa play out another thriller, with the visitors winning to level the series. Elsewhere, a warm-up match at the T20 World Cup had to be abandoned, while South Africa’s proposed tour of Pakistan next month has been postponed.

England win another thriller to level series

The second T20I between South Africa and England was as thrilling as the first, and this time, it was England who came away from it with a two-run victory to level the three-match series 1-1.

Moeen Ali starred with a stunning 11-ball 39 that helped boost the total to 204/7, following contributions from Jason Roy (40) and Ben Stokes (47* off 30).

Then, despite Quinton de Kock’s 22-ball 65 – a knock during which he became the fastest T20I half-century by a South African – the home side was kept to 202/7 in their 20 overs.

First T20 World Cup warm-up match abandoned

The first warm-up match of the Women’s T20 World Cup between Australia and West Indies was abandoned without a ball bowled due to a waterlogged outfield at the Allan Border Field.

Brisbane has been lashed by rains in recent weeks, and that meant the ground was in no condition to host the first warm-up T20I between the sides.

“Whilst the curators have worked tirelessly, the volume of rain has left us with no option but to cancel tomorrow’s match,” the ICC said. “We are hopeful that conditions will permit the matches between Bangladesh and Thailand, and India and Pakistan to take place on Sunday.”

Hanuma Vihari scores century during tour game in New Zealand

India’s search for an opening partner for Mayank Agarwal could see them go to G Hanuma Vihari after the middle-order batsman impressed with a century against a New Zealand XI.

India were struggling, having been reduced to 5/3 and then 38/4 before Vihari and Cheteshwar Pujara struck a 195-run stand to revive the innings and post 263. With Rohit Sharma injured, there was scrutiny on Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill, but both underwhelmed.

However, Vihari has denied he’s been talked to about opening. “As a player, I am prepared to bat anywhere. As of now, I’ve not been informed [of] anything. As I’ve said before as well, if the team requires me to bat wherever, I am ready to bat.”

South Africa to skip tour of Pakistan next month

South Africa have withdrawn from a potential tour of Pakistan next month citing player workload.

Pakistan and South Africa were in discussions for a three-T20I series in March, but those plans have been postponed after Cricket South Africa said their player workload would be too much, given they tour India next month.

South Africa are currently hosting England for a T20I series, which was preceded by four Tests and three ODIs.