Craig Kieswetter took a major step towards a full England call-up with a match-winning performance to help the Lions secure a five wickets win over the senior side in Abu Dhabi.

The South African-born wicketkeeper-batsman, who qualified for England the previous day, hammered 81 off 66 balls as the Lions overhauled the senior side’s total of 157 for six off the last ball.

Kieswetter’s innings, which included nine fours and two sixes, followed equally impressive displays in the Lions’ three Twenty20 matches against Pakistan A and must surely enhance his prospects of inclusion in England’s squad for the ICC World Twenty20 Championship.

"As Lions we set standards and we want to be able to play the aggressive brand of cricket England as a whole are trying to play," he said. "Throughout our series we've been trying to play this kind of brave cricket that England are looking to play."

England had slipped to 68 for five, with Yorkshire leg-spinner Adil Rashid claiming three wickets in as many overs, to reach a respectable 157 for six after Luke Wright hit 42 off 21 balls and Matt Prior scored 33 off 22 balls.

But the Lions set off at a terrific pace in reply and Kieswetter shrugged off an early reprieve when Stuart Broad dropped him at mid-off on four to partner Michael Lumb in another punishing opening stand.

Kieswetter fell with just 14 required for victory but Lumb, who had earlier retired hurt on 40 after being hit by a Broad bouncer, returned to hit the final two balls from Wright for four to earn a famous victory for the Lions.