South Africa cemented their place in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over England at the National Bank Stadium. The Proteas showcased a clinical all-round performance, dismantling England for a modest 179 before cruising to the target in just 29.1 overs. (Highlights | More Cricket News)
With England already out of contention for the knockout stage, their hopes of salvaging some pride were shattered by a ruthless South African bowling attack. Marco Jansen (3/39) set the tone with early breakthroughs, while Wiaan Mulder (3/25) and Keshav Maharaj ꧋(2/35) ensured there was no respite for the English batters. England’s total of 179 was the lowest in this edition of the tournament, highlighting their struggles against a disciplined Proteas attack.
Chasing a manageable target, South Africa encountered a minor hiccup early on when Jofra Archer castled Tristan Stubbs for a duck. However, Ryan Rickelton (27 off 22) played a brisk knock to keep the innings steady before Heinrich Klaasen ꧂(64) and Rassie van der Dussen (72*) took control.
༺The duo stitched together a match-winning 127-run stand, dismantling England’s bowling with calculated aggression. Klaasen, making a comeback after an elbow injury, played a fluent 56-ball innings featuring 11 boundaries, while van der Dussen remained unbeaten, striking six fours and three sixes.
South Africa Vs England, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Toss
💯England have won the toss and opt to bat first against South Africa.
South Africa Vs England, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Playing XIs
England♛: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
South Africa🐻: Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
🍎A consolation wicket for Adil Rashid saw Klaasen dismissed just before the finish line, but David Miller wasted no time in sealing the deal, launching a six to complete the victory emphatically.
♉With this win, South Africa topped Group B with five points, joining Australia in the semifinals. The final-four lineup will be determined after India’s crucial clash with New Zealand in Group A on Sunday.
♍England’s decision to bat first after winning the toss quickly backfired as they crumbled under South Africa’s relentless pace attack. Jansen struck early, dismissing Phil Salt (8) and Jamie Smith (0) in quick succession before sending Ben Duckett (24) back with a sharp return catch. At 37 for 3 inside seven overs, England were in deep trouble.
🅰Joe Root (37) and Harry Brook (19) attempted a repair job, adding 62 runs for the fourth wicket. However, just as they looked to stabilize the innings, Maharaj broke through, sending Brook back with a well-judged catch by Jansen. Root’s resistance was then ended in spectacular fashion as Mulder shattered his off-stump with a searing delivery.
🃏With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, England never found the momentum they needed. Liam Livingstone (9), Jamie Overton (11), and Sam Curran (12) failed to make an impact, leaving the lower order with too much to do. A brief fightback from Buttler (21) and Archer (25) helped England cross the 150-run mark, but Mulder and Lungi Ngidi (1/29) wrapped up the innings in the 39th over, ensuring a modest target for their side.
♐For South Africa, the dominant performance solidifies their status as strong contenders for the title. They will now turn their focus to the semifinals, where they hope to continue their momentum. Meanwhile, England’s disappointing campaign comes to an end, marking the conclusion of Jos Buttler’s tenure as ODI captain on a sour note.
