South Africa (163/6) beat England (156/6) by 7 runs in a nail-biting encounter at the Daren Sammy Stadium on Friday. The victory takes South Africa a step closer to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup. Ask to bat first, the Proteas posted 163 runs – Thanks to the incredible innings from Quinton de Kock (65/38) and David Miller (43/28). England came close after Harry Brook (53/37) and Liam Livingstone’s (33/17) late effort, but Anrich Nortje’s (1/35) heroics in the final over ensured South Africa remains unbeaten.
Quinton de Kock started strong charging the English bowlers from the very outset. England struck back with blows in the middle and death overs, but a late push by David Miller helped the team reach 163 runs.
Initially, it seemed like a par score, but the pitch deteriorated in the second innings. After being down and out at the halfway mark, Harry Brook inspired a big comeback for England. They needed only 25 runs from the last three overs. As England looked to close the game, Kagiso Rabada (2/32), Marco Jansen (0/31), and Anrich Nortje (1/35) bowled their hearts out to take the team home.
With big wins against the USA and England, South Africa made a strong statement for the semis. Their middle order still needs a touch-up, but the bowlers are breathing fire. They only need to avoid a big defeat against the West Indies to book their place in the semis. On the other hand, England let the game slip away from a winning situation. This loss might cost them a place in the next round if the West Indies strongly come back against South Africa and the USA.
Here are five moments that defined this game:
De Kock and Hendricks’ Opening Stand
South Africa struggled with their batting line-up in this T20 World Cup, largely due to poor opening stands. Defying the trend, Reeza Hendricks (19/25) and Quinton de Kock stitched a big partnership of 86 runs for the opening. De Kock, in particular, was in true form with explosive cricket from the first ball. Although Hendricks played at less than a 100 strike rate, he complemented De Kock perfectly. 
Miller’s Killer Finish
South Africa were in a strong position with De Kock at the crease, but their batting faltered against England’s spin attack in the second half of the innings. Heinrich Klaasen (8/13), promoted to the number 3 slot, also struggled. Amidst the struggle, David Miller rose to the occasion, smacking bowlers all over the park. He assessed conditions well and played according to the requirements.
Maharaj’s Choke Slam
England made a safe start in the powerplay and looked to take chances against the spinners to keep up with the required run rate. However, Keshav Maharaj (2/25) ruined their plans, throwing them into a big hole. Maharaj dismissed Jonny Bairstow (16/20) in his first over and then took the crucial wicket of Jos Buttler in his second, putting South Africa ahead in the game.
Rabada’s Experience
Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone rallied England, putting them in the driving seat. England needed only 25 runs in the last three overs with two set batters at the crease. It seemed like an easy chase, but Kagiso Rabada used his experience to turn the tide. Rabada conceded only 4 runs in the 19th over and took the crucial wicket of Livingstone, giving South Africa a late chance.
Nortje’s Heroics
Anrich Nortje faced criticism recently, raising questions about his place in the South African lineup. However, his heroics against England silenced all debates. Nortje defended 14 runs in the last over, taking his team home. He bowled with perfect variation and accuracy, sealing the win.
South Africa are now favorites for the semis, and considering their best game is yet to come, they look like serious contenders. Their bowling has been ultra-impressive. They will play the West Indies in their last Super 8 clash on June 23rd. Parimatch odds on them against the West Indies are at 1.77x. England had a golden chance to clinch this game and boost their chances for the semis. They will now play the USA in their last Super 8 game on June 23rd. Parimatch odds on them are at 1.09x.
