Karachi (Web Desk): England set a target of 180 runs for South Africa in the 11 match of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Saturday.
South Africa restricted England to a modest total of 179 runs in 38.2 overs.
The batting line-up failed to find any rhythm, with Joe Root leading the charge as the highest scorer, contributing 37 runs off 44 balls.
Jos Buttler, the England captain, added only 21 runs to the total. Interestingly, it was fast bowler Jofra Archer who emerged as the second-highest scorer with a vital 25 runs down the order.
South Africa’s bowlers were in full control throughout, with Marco Jansen and Mulder sharing three wickets each. Keshav Maharaj also impressed with two wickets, while Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada picked up a wicket apiece, leaving England unable to build any significant partnerships.
This loss was another setback in a series of disappointing results for England in the tournament.
Earlier, Buttler had announced his resignation from the captaincy of the white-ball team, following a string of poor performances.
The team’s campaign had already been in jeopardy after suffering defeats to both Australia and Afghanistan.
Against Australia, England failed to defend a target of 352, despite a brilliant century from Ben Duckett. Australia managed to chase down the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history, leaving England with a bitter defeat.
The team then endured a humiliating loss to Afghanistan, with Ibrahim Zadran's remarkable 177-run knock leading his side to their highest-ever total in ICC tournaments.
England’s defeat meant they had no chance of qualifying for the semifinals, and they now sit at the bottom of Group B’s points table.
On the other hand, if South Africa win today, they will be in a strong position to secure a semifinal spot.
With four points, Australia have already booked their place in the semifinals, and South Africa will be hoping to keep their momentum going to advance further.
Teams
England: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith(w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood
South Africa: Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram(c), Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
