SOUTH AFRICA VS ENGLAND , SUPER 8 GROUP 2, T20 WORLD CUP, 2024

Harry Brook’s commendable effort of scoring a half-century proved insufficient as South Africa secured a seven-run victory over England in the 45th match of the T20 World Cup 2024, held the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Gros Islet, St Lucia, on Friday.

Initially, after England captain Jos Buttler opted to field first, South Africa managed to set a target of 163/6, thanks to Quinton de Kock’s dynamic half-century and David Miller’s crucial cameo in the closing overs.

TOSS-

England won the toss and decided to bowl first .

SOUTH AFRICA (PLAYING XI)

Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram(c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman

ENGLAND (PLAYING XI)

Philip Salt, Jos Buttler(w/c), Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Reece Topley

SOUTH AFRICA INNING:

Quinton de Kock was a formidable force at the start, placing the England bowlers, especially Jofra Archer, under severe stress. De Kock’s fierce performance, scoring 68 runs from just 35 balls with four fours and as many sixes, propelled the South African innings’ run rate nearing ten an over. His formidable display at the crease earned him the player of the match title.

Despite de Kock’s imposing play, England’s team did not yield. Their comeback was marked by disciplined bowling from Reece Topley during the Powerplay and effective fielding, which collectively helped in managing the progression of South Africa’s innings. Regular wicket-taking prevented South Africa from achieving a more commanding total.

The turning point came when de Kock, seemingly dismissed off Adil Rashid’s bowling caught by Mark Wood, was actually not out as the ball partly touched the ground. The initial celebration by South Africa was cut short by this revelation.

England made significant headway in the 10th over when Reeza Hendricks was caught by Harry Brook off Moeen Ali’s bowling. Jos Buttler, soon after, showcased quick thinking and precision, leading to Heinrich Klaasen being run out after a mistaken run attempt initiated by David Miller due to a deflection off Buttler’s pads.

Following de Kock’s fortunate escape, South Africa’s innings began to unravel, plummeting from 86 without loss to 113/4 by the 15th over. This loss of momentum could have been more detrimental had it not been for David Miller, who anchored the innings towards the end. Miller’s impactful 43 off 28 balls was crucial, allowing South Africa to just surpass the 150-mark, a score that eventually turned out to be just enough for victory.

ENGLAND INNING-

In a tense chase of 164 runs, England found themselves in a precarious position at 61 for four at the halfway mark. Yet, the momentum shifted briefly when Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone launched an aggressive attack, amassing 52 runs across three overs.

The pivotal moment occurred during the 17th over as Ottniel Baartman delivered several full tosses, which Livingstone capitalized on by scoring three successive boundaries. Despite this burst, with 25 runs needed from the last 18 balls, Kagiso Rabada bowled a crucial over, conceding only four runs and claiming Livingstone’s wicket for 33 off 17 balls. Marco Jansen then bowled a tight 19th over, resulting in England requiring 14 runs from the final over.

Brook, who had just recorded his first fifty in the T20 World Cup, attempted an aggressive hit off Anrich Nortje’s bowling, but Aiden Markram’s remarkable catch at mid-off quashed England’s hopes. The match concluded with England only managing six runs in the final over, thereby preserving South Africa’s perfect record in the tournament.

Keshav Maharaj’s skillful bowling, yielding only 25 runs for two wickets on a subtly slow pitch, was instrumental from the onset. The South African bowlers, aware of the pitch conditions, adeptly varied their pace, which, along with excellent fielding—underscored by Reeza Hendricks’ impressive catch at cover to dismiss Phil Salt—played a key role in their victory.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH-

Quinton De Kock was named Player of the Match for his commanding performance.

Brief scores:

South Africa scored 163 for 6 in 20 overs (Quinton de Kock 65, David Miller 43; Adil Rashid 1/23, Jofra Archer 3/40). They defeated England, who managed 156/6 in 20 overs (Harry Brook 53, Liam Livingstone 33; Keshav Maharaj 2/25, Kagiso Rabada 2/32), by 7 runs.