Captain Eoin Morgan says England will benefit from their close defeat in the first T20I against South Africa.
The tourists suffered a one-loss at Buffalo Park as they tried to chase down 178 runs for the win. South Africa snatched victory after Lungi Ngidi shone in the death over. He bagged three wickets and conceded just five runs.
England had looked in control needing seven off the last six balls but somehow failed to get over the line. It means they are now looking to level the series when the second T20I takes place in Durban on Friday.
Morgan keen to learn from the loss
The England skipper was disappointed his team couldn’t see out the game from a winning position but thinks there is plenty to learn from the experience.
“It was an outstanding game of cricket,” said Morgan at the match presentation.
“Experiences like this, particularly with a World Cup around the corner, are just so valuable to the team.
“I think we learn more about both sides when they get put a little bit more pressure.
“Today was a fine example of that. Both teams gave it absolutely everything and left everything on the field, but in all honesty, I thought in all three departments today we could make up more than that.”
England “flustered” by Ngidi’s final two overs
“We were always in a commanding position, and we never really looked flustered until Ngidi came on in the 18th over and then turned the game on its head,” said Morgan to Sky Sports.
“Even in a position of needing seven off the last over, with new guys coming in, we expected to win that game, but it's a great game to play in because you get a feel for where guys are at, what skill level they can produce, and how their temperament is. So in terms of actually improving, I think it's great for us.”
Morgan also felt he could have done more to see his side to the finishing line.
He was caught at deep mid-wicket off the last ball of the 19th over, which opened up the floodgates for Ngidi’s late destruction job.
He added: “With all the games I've played and the experience I have, I would have liked to seen it through and I didn't manage to do that.
“But the more games I play, the more I back myself to be there at the end. I'll still continue with the method that I play and hopefully contribute to some more wins.
“One of the big things in our change room is that we learn quite quickly from each other,” he added.
“We're very open and there are no massive egos around. It's okay for guys to say ‘I struggled today, what did you look to do, and how were you effective? Teach me.'”
