SHARJAH : Super 12s – The final match of Group 1 between England and South Africa stood up to every ones expectation with excitement at top notch. South Africa had an uphill task of setting a massive score so that they can restrict England’s chase to win by a margin of 58 or more to grab the semifinal spot. South Africa beat England by 10 runs and put a halt to England’s winning run but still lost the chance to make the semi finals due to a lower run rate than Australia.
Earlier today, England Skipper won the toss and chose to bowl. South Africa took up the challenge and scored 189 for 2 wickets with stunning display of batting by Rassie van der Dussen who hit bashed the English bowlers to reach an unbeaten 94 off just 60 balls. He was well supported by Aiden Markram’s cameo of 52 unbeaten off 25 balls. Other than Moeen Ali who bowled at the power play (1 for 27 runs), all other English bowlers were smashed all over.
South African bowlers had the task of restricting England to less than 131 if to push Aussies out of the semifinals. Openers Jason Roy and Jos Buttler were aggressive from the start given the run rate required was 9.5. England required to score at least 87 runs to qualify for the Semi Finals in case they lost this match. Jason Roy was retired hurt for 20 runs off 15 balls. The dangerous Jos Buttler was picked up by Nortje for just 26 runs giving South Africa some hope. However, Moeen Ali kept the score board ticking. England reached 100 in the 11th over for the loss of 2 wickets with Moeen Ali and Dawid Malan at the wicket. South African spinner Shamsi picked up the wicket of Moeen Ali for 37 runs off 27 balls after being hit for a six in the same over. Shamsi picked up a tally of 2 wickets for 24 runs. However, by 13th over South African team knew that they lost the Semi Final spot but was determined to end the world cup campaign with a win.
England needed 35 runs in last 3 overs with 6 wickets in hand to make it 5 wins in the Super 12s. English Captain Morgan guided England with a quick fire 17 runs but when England needed 14 runs to win in the last over his wicket was picked up by Rabada and suddenly England was 176 for 7 wickets. Rabada picked up a hat trick in the last over to allow South Africa a sensational win in the last over by 10 runs. Rabada ended up with a haul of 3 wickets for 48 runs.
England and Australia move to the semi finals from Group 1. South Africa similar to England and Australia won 4 out of its 5 matches but due to lower run rate missed out on the semi final slot.
Australia will play against Pakistan in the semifinals. England’s opponent will be determined tomorrow after the New Zeland encounter with Afghanistan.
Rassie van der Dussen was named the player of the match for his unbeaten innings of 94 runs. (RZ)
[Image credit icc-cricket.com]
