England restricted South Africa to 163 runs but their batting faltered, handing a thrilling 7-run victory to South Africa in a tense Super 8 encounter.
A brilliant bowling display by England restricted South Africa to 163 runs in the ongoing T20 World Cup Super 8 clash at Beausejour Stadium. Opting to field first, England captain Jos Buttler got his tactics spot on.
Openers Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock threatened to run away with the match, stitching together a threatening 86-run stand. However, the introduction of Jofra Archer (3/40) proved to be the masterstroke. The fiery pacer, brimming with confidence after his heroics against the Windies, rattled the Proteas’ batting cage. A quick succession of wickets followed Hendricks’ dismissal in the 10th over, with the South African middle order exposed.
Except for a fighting knock of 43 from David Miller, the visitors crumbled under England’s bowling pressure. Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring South Africa never recovered from their early slump.
ALSO READ | Gautam Gambhir Opens Up On ICT Queries, Dodges Coaching Role Questions, Emphasises Team-First Philosophy
Despite being restricted to a modest total of 163 runs after a shaky batting display, the Proteas bowlers rose to the occasion, stifling England’s much-vaunted batting line-up. England’s chase began on a shaky note, with their top and middle orders failing to capitalize. The hero from the last match, Phil Salt, departed cheaply for just 11 runs. However, a valiant knock from Harry Brook at number 5 (52 runs) and a quickfire 33 from Liam Livingstone (17 balls) briefly threatened to snatch victory for England.
With 14 runs required in the final over, the tension was palpable. South Africa entrusted the responsibility to Anrich Nortje, who displayed nerves of steel. Nortje not only defended the target comfortably but also crucially dismissed the in-form Brook, extinguishing England’s hopes. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, with two wickets each, were the pick of the South African bowlers, while Nortje and Baartman chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Last Updated on June 21, 2024
