Quinton de Kock was the leading run-scorer for his side, but it Anrich Nortje who held his nerve and restricted the defending champions to get star batter Harry Brook out in the last over and saved 14 runs.

England slumped to 61-4 while chasing 164 to win thanks to fine South Africa bowling and fielding. It was a partnership of 78 between Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) that took them to 139-5 in the 18th over.

But, with England needing 14 off the last over, Brook chipped a slower ball from fast bowler Nortje and South Africa captain Aiden Markram held a brilliant diving catch over his shoulder as he ran back from mid-off to end a 37-ball innings featuring seven fours.

Later, Sam Curran struck a four but then refused a single, but Curran could only manage a single when England needed nine off two balls.

It was a fine display under pressure by South Africa, often accused of ‘choking’ at major events.