T20 World Cup: South Africa topple England in Super Eights clash

South Africa have dished up a major plot twist at the T20 World Cup, defeating defending champions England in their Super Eights clash on Saturday morning in St Lucia.

England were looking to secure their spot in the semi-finals, having earlier defeated the West Indies. However, South Africa staked their claim for the last four instead, overcoming the two-time champions by seven runs.

The result means Group 2 could well be determined by net run rates.

South Africa sit atop the Group 2 standings with two victories in as many Super Eights matches, while England and the West Indies have a win and a loss to their name through two games.

When the Super Eights phase began earlier this week, cricket betting sites were unable to separate the three sides.

Now, it seems their indecision was correct, as this one is going down to the wire.

South Africa’s bowling proves too strong for England

Keeping in theme with the rest of the matches so far this T20 World Cup, South Africa vs England was a tight, low-scoring affair.

England opted to have South Africa bat first, which initially seemed to backfire. Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock had a field day, plundering 0/63 off the powerplay as South Africa looked set for a big total.

That is, until the runs mysteriously dried up. Some tight bowling saw a handful of boundary-less overs, leading to Hendricks holing out.

Adil Rashid kept a leash on South Africa through the middle overs, with Jofra Archer removing de Kock at the other end for 65 (38).

Persistent wickets and sharp bowling meant the Proteas could never get away, eventually meandering their way to 6/163—a very gettable looking total.

England didn’t get the memo, however, and stuttered in response.

None of the top four scored more than 17, with Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone offering the only real resistance. The former made a healthy 53 (37), while Livingstone accrued 33 (17).

Neither stuck around until the end though, leaving Archer and Sam Curran to get 14 from the final five balls. Curran scored one boundary, but it wasn’t enough, as England fell seven runs short.

Next up, England will face the United States in what will now be a must-win match for the defending champions.

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