Clinical South Africa thumped England by seven wickets in the 11th match of the Champions Trophy 2025.
The stage was set for a thrilling encounter but England's batting performance in the first innings fell far short of expectations. Opting to bat first, they encountered a South African bowling unit that was both disciplined and incisive.
The early loss of wickets sent tremors through the English dressing room with key batters failing to establish a foothold. Marco Jansen spearheaded the South African attack, dismantling the England top order and stifling any attempts at recovery. Eventually, the English side was bundled at 179 runs in 38.2 overs. They recorded the lowest total of the ongoing Champions Trophy.
Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen Star in Run-Chase
South Africa's chase of 180 did not begin smoothly. Jofra Archer struck early, disrupting South Africa's top order. Archer cleaned up both the openers. Stubbs, who was opening because of an injury to Aiden Markram, was dismissed for a duck. Ryan Rickelton scored 27 runs.
However, Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen powered South Africa to a win. The duo forged a 127-run partnership and completed their respective fifties in the process. Adil Rashid dismissed Klaasen when he was batting on 64 runs but it was too late for England to make any sort of comeback.
The Proteas completed the run-chase with a six smashed by David Miller and ended up winning by seven wickets. They finished the group stage, topping the points table. As for England, they bow out of the tournament winless.
South Africa will now wait for the match between India and New Zealand which will decide who they will face in the semis of the competition.
