England lost a low-scoring thriller to South Africa but can still qualify for the semi-finals if they beat the United States in Barbados on Sunday.
The seven-run defeat on a stodgy pitch ensured it will be another nervy Sunday for England awaiting the outcome of the later game between West Indies and South Africa that will determine the final make up of the top two.
But this narrow loss did not damage England’s run-rate to any great extent and as long as they do not slip up against the United States they retain a good chance of a last-four spot.
“We know we’re still in it; we played well today, we just didn’t quite get over the line,” said Jos Buttler, England captain. “At one stage we were favourites but T20 cricket is never that simple, and credit to South Africa for closing it out.”
Anrich Nortje defended 14 off the final over dismissing the set Harry Brook with the first ball for 53 off 37 to finish off yet another gutsy all-round performance by South Africa who have survived some close scares at this World Cup but retain a 100 per cent record.
England restricted South Africa to 163 which would normally be well below par at this ground but this pitch was much slower than the night games when the ball came onto the bat. It produced a tense, edgy game with barely anyone timing the ball.
An asking rate of 8.2 an over was well within England’s wheelhouse considering their depth, power and experience but they could not match South Africa’s powerplay. Where they made 63 for none, England were 41 for one. England just needed one player to stay in, see them home and a semi-final place would pretty much be theirs with two Super Eight wins out of two.
Brook nearly did it with his first World Cup fifty but was superbly caught by South Africa captain Aiden Markram running back and diving forward to take a catch from over his shoulder at mid off. It was the wicket that broke England’s resistance.
Without Brook and Liam Livingstone they would not have been close. By the 12th over England had managed just five boundaries, lost their top order and were wading through mud. The required run rate was over 11 and they were desperate. Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow had hacked away and made little impact.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
