Eoin Morgan plays captain's knock to hand England T20 series win over South Africa

Visitors chase down 223 with five wickets and as many deliveries in hand in Centurion

Eoin Morgan, right, and Moeen Ali celebrate England's victory during the third T20 against South Africa in Centurion on Sunday. Getty Images

Eoin Morgan played a captain’s innings as England chased down South Africa’s massive score of 222-6 to triumph by five wickets in Centurion and take the T20 series 2-1 on Sunday.

Morgan remained unbeaten on 57 from just 22 balls and secured victory with five balls to spare as the Englishmen ended the tour of South Africa undefeated in all three series after winning the Test clash 3-1 and sharing the ODIs 1-1.

Fifties from Jos Buttler (57) and Jonny Bairstow (64) kept England on track but it was the innings by Morgan in the final stretch that clinched the series.

Earlier, South Africa made their intentions clear from the start with openers Temba Bavuma (49 of 24) and Quinton de Kock (35 off 24) adding 50 within four overs.

The introduction of Ben Stokes to the attack changed the equation as the star all-rounder accounted for De Kock and Rassie van der Dussen to regain some control with the hosts 113-3 in the 12th over.

But Heinrich Klaasen didn’t let the momentum slip. With the help of four boundaries and four maximums, Klaasen hit 66 of just 33 balls to turbo charge the innings and take the Proteas to an imposing 222-6.

Only two bowlers – Tom Curran (2-33) and Stokes (2-35) – ended up with respectable figures as everyone else went at well over 10 an over. The Proteas hit 13 sixes in all.

South Africa's Henrich Klaasen hit 66. AFP

But on a flat pitch at Centurion, the Englishmen were always in with a chance. Even though opener Jason Roy got out early after top edging an ugly hoick off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi, Buttler and Bairstow kept up with the required rate.

Dale Steyn received some punishment as his first three overs went for 34. But just as England seemed to have things under control, Buttler tried to play one cheeky shot too many and top edged a signature scoop off the bowling of Dwaine Pretotious to third man.

Bairstow then took over, hitting spinner Tabraiz Shamsi for two fours and a six off successive balls to put the pressure back on the Proteas.

Andile Phehlukwayo then landed the big blow as he deceived Bairstow with his change of pace to clean bowl the batsman for 64 off just 34 balls. The visitors required 80 from 42 balls but in T20 cricket, that is achievable.

Just when the South Africans were looking to increase the pressure, their fielding let them down as the hosts dropped three chances in the closing stages, with Pretorius spilling two in the penultimate over to seal the match.