South Africa’s bowlers, Wiaan Mulder (3-25), Marco Jansen (3-39), and Keshav Maharaj (2-35), showcased their prowess against a struggling England team. They bowled England out for a meager 179 runs. This victory secured South Africa’s place in the semifinals of the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they are set to compete against either India or New Zealand in the crucial knockout stage. England entered the match with no chance of advancing, aiming only to conclude their tournament on a positive note. However, their batting woes persisted, as they struggled throughout their innings of 38.2 overs.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, winning the toss in his final match as white-ball captain, opted to bat first. This decision was influenced by South Africa’s previous dominant 107-run win against Afghanistan at the same venue. However, England’s top order faltered quickly against Jansen’s bowling. Jansen dismissed Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, and Ben Duckett in rapid succession. Salt’s vulnerability in the PowerPlay continued, falling for the 25th time in 31 ODI innings, caught at mid-wicket. Duckett initially showed aggression against Lungi Ngidi, hitting consecutive boundaries. But Jansen struck again, removing Smith with a short ball. Duckett’s innings was also cut short when a delivery on his leg side resulted in a leading edge catch back to Jansen.
Joe Root adopted an aggressive approach against Jansen, while Harry Brook targeted Kagiso Rabada. Their partnership pushed England to 62/3 in 10 overs, suggesting a potential recovery. However, this was short-lived. Jansen once again played a crucial role, this time with an exceptional catch at long-on to dismiss Harry Brook. In the following over, Wiaan Mulder bowled out Root. Maharaj further tightened South Africa’s grip, dismissing Liam Livingstone, who was stumped for just 9 runs after attempting to attack the spinner.
England’s struggles to build partnerships continued. Ngidi contributed with a remarkable catch, running back from mid-on to dismiss Jamie Overton. Jofra Archer and Buttler managed to extend England’s innings for another nine overs. However, Jansen took his third excellent catch, this time at mid-wicket, to end Archer’s innings. England’s resistance crumbled, and they were eventually all out for 179 in the 39th over, losing their last wickets rapidly from 171/8.
Match Summary: England 179 all out in 38.2 overs (Joe Root 37; Wiaan Mulder 3-25, Marco Jansen 3-39, Keshav Maharaj 2-35) versus South Africa.
