South Africa triumphed over England by seven runs in their second Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024 at Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia, on Friday.
The Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament with six consecutive victories.
England had a sluggish start to their chase, with Phil Salt (11 off 8 balls) falling in the second over. Jos Buttler (17 off 20 balls) and Jonny Bairstow (16 off 20 balls) tried to stabilize but lost their wickets to Keshav Maharaj at critical moments. Moeen Ali (9 off 10 balls) struggled to increase the run rate and was dismissed by Ottneil Baartman after attempting a big shot.
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A crucial 78-run partnership between Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone revived England’s hopes. Brook attacked the South African bowlers, while Livingstone played cautiously, scoring a brisk 33 off 17 balls before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada. Brook reached his first T20 World Cup fifty but was unable to complete the chase, departing after a brilliant catch by South African skipper Aiden Markram. He scored 53 off 37 balls, and England finished at 156/6.
Rabada and Maharaj each took two wickets for South Africa.
Earlier, Quinton de Kock gave South Africa a strong start after being put in to bat. He hit a 22-ball fifty, the joint-fastest in the tournament. Reeza Hendricks (19 off 25 balls) struggled and was dismissed by Adil Rashid. De Kock eventually scored 65 off 38 balls before being caught by Jos Buttler. David Miller scored a crucial 43 off 28 balls, helping South Africa post 163/6 in their 20 overs. Jofra Archer was England’s standout bowler with 3/40.
