England stun SAfrica in T20

England has posted the highest successful run chase ever at a World Twenty20 tournament, chasing down an improbable South Africa total with two wickets to spare in Friday's run-fest.

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla struck half-centuries at the top while JP Duminy provided the late assault with an unbeaten 50 as South Africa posted a massive 4-229 after being sent in to bat in their Group One match at the Wankhede Stadium.

South Africa, considered one of the favourites for the tournament, were then left stunned as England went after their bowlers with nothing but attack on their minds.

England looked comfortable for most part of their chase before losing three wickets in seven balls towards the end of their innings, but still managed to reach their target with two balls to spare.

Jason Roy (43) and Alex Hales gave England a rollicking start, posting 48 in just 15 deliveries before both were out to paceman Kyle Abbott.

England broke a few team records as they looked to maintain their batting tempo though leg-spinner Imran Tahir tempered it with 1-28 in his four overs.

But Joe Root, who was out in the penultimate over, hit six boundaries and four sixes to reach 83 in his 44-ball knock, bringing the sizeable crowd to their feet.

England were on the receiving end of a brutal onslaught from West Indies opener Chris Gayle during Wednesday's defeat when their spinners struggled to grip the wet ball and that prompted captain Eoin Morgan to field after winning the toss.

But Amla (58) and De Kock (52) tormented the English bowlers, plundering 96 runs off seven overs during an explosive opening stand.

De Kock, who thrashed David Willey for 20 in the third over, hit seven fours and three sixes during his 24-ball knock before he fell to off-spinner Moeen Ali.

Amla, who was dropped on nine by Reece Topley off Ali, hit an identical number of boundaries before falling to the off-spinner.