South Africa beat England by 7 runs in final over thriller

Printed on: Jun 22, 2024

South Africa efficiently defended a goal of 164, beating England by seven runs in an exciting match on the Darren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia. South Africa posted 163/6, due to a blistering half-century from Quinton de Kock and a vital cameo from David Miller within the closing overs.

De Kock’s explosive innings of 65 off 38 balls set the tone for South Africa, however the remainder of the batting lineup struggled to construct on his momentum. Reeza Hendricks’ sluggish 19 off 25 balls hindered their progress till Miller’s fast runs within the closing levels boosted the whole. Moeen Ali and Jofra Archer had been among the many key bowlers for England, with Archer dismissing De Kock by way of a superb catch by Jos Buttler

England’s chase began poorly with the early lack of Phil Salt to Kagiso Rabada within the second over. The South African bowlers maintained stress, resulting in the dismissals of Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow as England’s batting faltered. Harry Brook’s half-century (53 off 37 balls) and Liam Livingstone’s quickfire 33 off 17 balls revived England’s hopes, particularly after they scored 21 runs within the seventeenth over.

Nonetheless, Rabada struck once more to take away Livingstone within the 18th over, and Brook was dismissed by a surprising catch from Aiden Markram within the closing over, bowled by Anrich Nortje. Regardless of Brook and Livingstone’s efforts, England fell quick, ending their innings at 156/8.

This victory retains South Africa unbeaten within the T20 World Cup 2024 marketing campaign, inserting them on the prime of their group within the Tremendous Eight Spherical. England, having received their earlier sport in opposition to West Indies, will now face the US of their closing group match, whereas South Africa will play in opposition to West Indies.