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South Africa secured their second consecutive victory in the Super Eight stage by defeating defending champions England in a thrilling match, winning by seven runs. Quinton de Kock's brilliant batting performance and strong bowling from South Africa sealed the win. De Kock's 65-run knock helped South Africa post a total of 163 for six in 20 overs. Despite Harry Brook's valiant 53 off 37 balls, England fell short, scoring 156 for six in their 20 overs. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj were instrumental, each taking two wickets.
South Africa’s Undefeated Streak
South Africa's team has been in stellar form in the T20 World Cup, winning all their matches in Group D and continuing their winning streak in the Super Eight stage. With this victory, South Africa has bolstered their semifinal prospects, leading Group Two with four points from two matches. Despite the loss, England remains second in the group with two points from one win and one loss.
England's Poor Start
England’s chase got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets for just 61 runs. Kagiso Rabada struck first, dismissing Phil Salt for 11 runs. Keshav Maharaj then removed Jonny Bairstow for 16 runs. England captain Jos Buttler fell for 17 runs, giving England another blow. Otniel Bartman further weakened England’s innings by dismissing Moeen Ali for nine runs.
Brook and Livingstone’s Resilient Partnership
After early setbacks, Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone steadied England’s innings with aggressive batting. The duo added 78 runs for the fifth wicket, bringing England back into the match. However, Rabada broke the partnership by dismissing Livingstone for 33 runs. England needed 14 runs in the final over, but Anrich Nortje’s first-ball dismissal of Brook dashed their hopes, and they ultimately lost the match.
De Kock’s Explosive Batting
Earlier, England's captain Jos Buttler chose to bowl first, but Quinton de Kock’s explosive batting quickly proved the decision wrong. De Kock smashed a series of boundaries and sixes, racing to his fifty in just 22 balls. This was the joint-fastest fifty of the tournament, previously matched by Aaron Jones of the USA. De Kock’s 65-run innings included four sixes and numerous boundaries, setting a strong foundation for South Africa’s total.
Moeen Breaks the Partnership
South Africa started strong with an 86-run opening partnership between De Kock and Reeza Hendricks. Moeen Ali broke the stand by dismissing Hendricks for 19 runs. Adil Rashid later gave De Kock a lifeline when Mark Wood dropped a catch, but De Kock was eventually caught by Buttler off Jofra Archer’s bowling. Henrich Klassen, promoted up the order, was run out by Buttler’s direct throw.
South Africa Loses Wickets Regularly
After a solid start, South Africa’s innings stumbled with wickets falling at regular intervals. Rashid dismissed South Africa captain Aiden Markram, reducing the team from 86 without loss to 115 for four in the 15th over. David Miller played a crucial role in the final overs, scoring 43 off 28 balls with four fours and two sixes, but Archer’s back-to-back dismissals of Miller and Marco Jansen restricted South Africa to 163 runs. Despite this being the lowest first-innings total on this ground in the World Cup, it was enough to secure a thrilling victory.
