Daijiworld Media Network – London

London, Sep 5: Cricket fans at Lord’s witnessed a rare moment of drama on Thursday when South Africa batter Tristan Stubbs almost got out in one of the most unusual ways — hit wicket. Facing pacer Saqib Mahmood in the second ODI against England, Stubbs lost control of his bat, which flew out of his hand and landed inches away from the stumps.

The bat bounced twice on the ground and came dangerously close to dislodging the bails before Stubbs managed to grab it in time, earning a lucky reprieve. He went on to score a composed 58 off 62 balls, helping the Proteas set up a strong total.

South Africa rode on a record-breaking knock by Matt Breetzke (85 off 77), who became the first cricketer in ODI history to register half-centuries in each of his first five matches. Contributions from Aiden Markram (49) and Stubbs (58) lifted the Proteas to 330.

In reply, England fought hard, with Joe Root (61), Jos Buttler (61 off 51) and Jofra Archer’s late blitz (27 off 14) keeping hopes alive. However, the hosts fell just short, finishing at 325-9, handing South Africa a nail-biting five-run win and an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

“It was a more than competitive score. I definitely would have taken that when we were three wickets down,” Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma said after the win.

The thrilling contest, which went down to the last over, also reinforced South Africa’s fine form at Lord’s, where they had lifted the World Test Championship trophy barely two-and-a-half months ago.