The South African team led by Aiden Markram, has been in some form in this T20 World Cup. Not only they won four out of four matches in the league stages, but have now moved tantalisingly close to the semis spot after a seven-run win against England on Saturday. This is their second win in the Super 8 stage, after they had beaten the USA a couple of days back.
SA vs ENG, As it Happened
Playing in St. Lucia, the Proteas batted first and posted 163/6 in their 20 overs. Quinton de Kock was the star with the bat who scored 65 from 38 only. Later in the innings, David Miller also played a crucial knock of 43 from 28 deliveries. England bowling was largely good, with Jofra Archer returning with figures of 3/40. Adil Rashid was excellent with 1/20 in his four overs, but South Africa still managed a par score.
Come the chase, England did not get partnerships going, despite being in a solid position at 43/1 in 6.4 overs. Openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler were dismissed early on in their innings, while the batters to follow — Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow failed as well. Although Harry Brook (53) and Liam Livingstone (33) did add 78 together, but that wasn’t enough on the day.
More News
As far as the South African bowling is concerned, Keshav Maharaj was miserly with his 2/25. Kagiso Rabada was good too with 2/32, to take their team to a win.
Group 2 Semis Qualification Scenario
South Africa are the frontrunners to make T20 World Cup semis after a gap of 10 year. Another loss for the other teams in the group will seal the deal. Having said that, there’s a chance that SA don’t go through. If they lose to West Indies by a huge margin, and then the latter win their remaining games, and so does ENG, then NRR will come into play.
Editors pick
