England crumble to 179 as South Africa secure semi-final spot
Regardless of the result, South Africa's progression was all but guaranteed, as England needed a massive win to keep Afghanistan’s hopes alive.
South Africa booked their place in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals after bowling England out for a modest 179 in Karachi on 1 march.
Regardless of the result, South Africa's progression was all but guaranteed, as England needed a massive win to keep Afghanistan's hopes alive.
England's innings never quite took off after electing to bat first. Phil Salt fell in the very first over, scoring 8 off 6 balls. Ben Duckett, despite a bright start, was dismissed for 24 off 21, while Jamie Smith departed for a duck after facing just three deliveries.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Joe Root and Harry Brook tried to rebuild the innings, forming England's best partnership of the day. Root looked solid, top-scoring with 37 off 44 balls, while Brook managed 19 off 29. However, once their partnership ended at 99, the English innings crumbled.
The collapse was dramatic. England tumbled from 99/2 to 129/7, with wickets falling rapidly. Jofra Archer and Jos Buttler provided some resistance, adding 42 runs for the eighth wicket. Archer contributed 25 off 31 balls, while Buttler made 21 off 43 before England's innings concluded in just 38.2 overs.
South Africa's bowlers were exceptional. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder led the charge with three wickets each. Jansen also displayed sharp fielding, taking two fine catches. Keshav Maharaj chipped in with two wickets, ensuring England never found their rhythm.
