Posted on: June 22, 2024
South Africa successfully defended their target of 164 runs, beating England by seven runs in a thrilling match at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia. South Africa posted 163/6 thanks to a blistering 50 from Quinton de Kock and a crucial cameo from David Miller in the last over.
De Kock’s explosive innings of 65 off 38 balls South Africa set the tone, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to maintain his momentum. Reeza Hendricks’ slow 19 runs from 25 balls hampered progress, but Miller’s quick runs in the closing stages boosted the total. Moeen Ali and Jofra Archer were among England’s key bowlers, with Archer getting De Kock out with a superb catch from Jos Buttler.
England’s chase got off to a bad start in the second over when Phil Salt was knocked out by Kagiso Rabada early. South Africa’s bowlers were putting pressure on them, and England’s batting faltered, with Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow out. Harry Brook’s fifty (53 off 37 balls) and Liam Livingstone’s quick-fire 33 off 17 balls revived England’s hopes, especially after scoring 21 in the 17th over.
But Rabada struck again to remove Livingstone in the 18th over, and Brook was out in the final over after a stunning catch by Aiden Markram off Anrich Nordsee. Despite the efforts of Brook and Livingstone, England fell short and finished the innings at 156/8.
With this win, South Africa remain undefeated in the T20 World Cup 2024 and top their group in the Super Eight round. England have won their previous match against West Indies and will now face the United States in their final group match, while South Africa will play West Indies.
