New Delhi: South Africa held their nerves in the last over to continue their unbeaten run at the T20 World Cup 2024 with a close victory over England on Friday. In what turned out to be close contest going down to the last over, the Proteas managed to keep the English side at bay with a 7-run margin and closed in on their semifinal berth.
This was South Africa’s second consecutive win in the super eight stage after beating hosts USA in the opening match. Chasing 164 runs, first four English batters failed to make any huge impact leaving the hard work for the middle-order players. Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone stood up to the occasion and delivered for the side with scores of 53 and 33 respectively. This happened after England lost Philip Salt, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali for scores of 11, 17, 16 and 9 respectively.
Brook looked on course to hand the Proteas a defeat but unfortunately wasn’t able to help his side cross the finish line. Sam Curran gave his magical touch with quick 10 runs but Anrich Nortje (1/35) bowled the last over intelligently to help Proteas clinch the win. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj picked two wickets apiece.
De Kock, Miller shine
Earlier, Quinton de Kock made a brilliant half-century and David Miller also shined with the bat but South Africa were limited to 163 for six by England bowlers as they made a great comeback after early bashing. De Kock scored 65 runs including four boundaries and as many sixes and Miller scored a quickfire 43 off 28 balls to give Proteas innings a late impetus.
Other batters failed to deliver for the Proteas against a disciplined English bowling attack. For the English side, leg-spinner Adil Rashid was the most economical bowler as he gave just 20 runs in 4 overs and also secured a wicket and seamer Jofra Archer was the leading wicket-taker with figures of 3/40. Moeen Ali also bagged a wicket.
South Africa beat England by 7 runs in the T20 World Cup 2024 Super Eight match to remain unbeaten in the showpiece event. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
