South Africa’s Bowlers Excel as England Suffers Defeat in Champions Trophy
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In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa dominated England, who managed only 179 runs. Key bowlers Macro Jansen and Wiaan Mulder took three wickets each. England’s loss impacts Afghanistan’s semi-final qualification chances, as they require a significant victory margin for any hope of progressing from the tournament.
In the latest match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa’s bowlers showcased a dominant performance, leading to England’s collapse at 179 runs. Despite valiant efforts from players like Joe Root and Jofra Archer, the English team struggled against the Proteas. Macro Jansen and Wiaan Mulder both recorded three wickets each, marking a decisive outing for South Africa.
The English captain, Jos Buttler, opted to bat first after winning the toss. This match against South Africa was crucial for England’s pride, as it was their final game of the tournament. England made a single alteration to their squad, bringing in Saqib Mahmood for Mark Wood, while South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma sat out due to illness. Aiden Markram stepped in as captain for this encounter, with Tristan Stubbs and Henrich Klaasen replacing Tony Dezori and Bavuma.
This match is of particular interest to Afghanistan, whose chances of qualifying for the semi-finals hinge on the outcome. Following a rain-affected match between Afghanistan and Australia that resulted in both teams sharing a point, Afghanistan requires England to secure a significant victory over South Africa to bolster their net run rate. Specifically, England would need to win by 207 runs if they set a target of 301 runs, a highly improbable scenario, yet this remains Afghanistan’s solitary hope for progression in the tournament.
In summary, England faced a disappointing defeat against South Africa, scoring only 179 runs as their hopes of a successful campaign dwindled. South Africa’s bowlers, especially Jansen and Mulder, excelled in this match. Furthermore, Afghanistan’s qualification for the semi-finals now relies on an unlikely victory margin, illustrating the intricacies and dependencies within the current tournament structure.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv