ENGLAND produced a sensational comeback to beat South Africa at the World T20.

Hampshire's Reece Topley was taken out of the attack after one over as England conceded 72 from the first five.

But Joe Root’s 83 (44 balls) helped England chase down 230 to beat the Proteas - the second-biggest T20 international run chase, behind the West Indies' 236 against the same opponents last year.

With the scores level after 19 overs, ex-Hampshire star Kyle Abbott (3-41) took two wickets in two balls before England won by two wickets, with two balls remaining.

But Hampshire new boy Topley did not have a good game, conceding 33 from two overs and dropping a sitter as South Africa made a formidable 229-4 after losing the toss.

Topley conceded 14 from his first four deliveries - with his first ball hit over point for six by Quinton de Kock (52 from 24 balls).

The 21 year-old was taken off, only to drop a straightforward chance at mid-off in the fourth over, Moeen Ali’s first, that would have seen Hashim Amla off for nine (he went on to make 58).

When Topley was recalled to bowl the penultimate over, the first two balls - both attempted yorkers - were launched for maximums by JP Duminy, over wide long-off and extra cover.

But Jason Roy soon blasted Dale Steyn out of the attack on his way to a 21-ball 43, before the masterful Root guided England home.

England were 111-4 in the tenth over before Root and Jos Buttler (21) put on 75 in 36 balls.