South Africa’s bowlers, Wiaan Mulder (3-25), Marco Jansen (3-39), and Keshav Maharaj (2-35), dominated England, dismissing them for a mere 179 runs. This victory secured South Africa’s place in the 2025 Champions Trophy semi-finals, where they are set to compete against either India or New Zealand in the knockout stage. England entered this match with no chance of progressing further in the tournament and aimed only to conclude with a positive performance. However, their batting woes persisted throughout their innings of 38.2 overs.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, winning the toss in his final match as white-ball captain, chose to bat first. This decision was influenced by South Africa’s dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan at the same ground earlier in the tournament. However, England’s top order faltered against Jansen’s bowling, who quickly dismissed Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, and Ben Duckett. Salt’s dismissal marked the 25th time in 31 ODI innings that he was out during the PowerPlay, caught at mid-wicket by Rassie van der Dussen while attempting a pull shot. Duckett initially showed aggression, hitting consecutive fours off Lungi Ngidi’s inaccurate deliveries. But Jansen struck again, removing Jamie Smith with another short ball that was pulled unconvincingly to Aiden Markram at mid-on. Jansen then claimed Duckett’s wicket as well, catching him off a leading edge from a delivery down the leg side.
Joe Root adopted an aggressive approach against Jansen, while Harry Brook attacked Kagiso Rabada. Their partnership pushed England to 62/3 in 10 overs, suggesting a potential recovery. However, this was short-lived, as Jansen intervened once more in the 17th over, taking an impressive running catch at long-on to dismiss Harry Brook. In the following over, Wiaan Mulder bowled out Root, who missed a flick off a fuller delivery. Maharaj further tightened South Africa’s grip with his left-arm spin, taking the wicket of Liam Livingstone, who was stumped for just 9 after attempting to charge the spinner.
England’s struggle to build substantial partnerships continued when Ngidi executed an athletic catch. Jamie Overton miscued a big shot, and Ngidi ran back from mid-on, diving to complete the catch. Jofra Archer and Buttler managed to extend England’s innings for another nine overs, but Jansen’s exceptional fielding was again on display as he took another catch at mid-wicket to dismiss Archer. England’s resistance then collapsed, losing their remaining wickets from 171/8 to 179 all out in the 39th over.
Brief Scores: England 179 in 38.2 overs (Joe Root 37; Wiaan Mulder 3-25, Marco Jansen 3-39, Keshav Maharaj 2-35) vs South Africa
