South Africa and England will meet in the series decider on Sunday after England levelled matters by taking the second netball Test 61-49 in Johannesburg. The Proteas had won the first Test 52-48.
With the stakes high, there was nothing to separate the world No5 (South Africa) and world No4 (England) teams in the opening stages.
Buoyed by the singing and dancing home crowd, the Proteas worked their way to four out in front, but the visitorskept their composure and ended the quarter at 13-13.
Led by Khanyisa Chawane, South Africa put their foot on the gas, establishing a slender three-goal advantage. The Proteas were in control, extending their lead to seven.
But, after five consecutive goals for the hosts, England broke their momentum and it was a one-goal game heading into the third quarter with the Proteas 27-26 to the good.
Where South Africa started more strongly in the second quarter, it was England who responded quickly after the break to swing the game in their favour to be two up.
England’s strength and flow continued as they took the ‘championship quarter’ 18-9 to have an eight-goal cushion in the crucial clash with 15 minutes remaining (44-36).
And there was no looking back for England , who got the job done, running out 61-49 winners to make it 1-1 in the series.
