Mumbai , Oct 22: In a crucial match of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, England faced a monumental task, needing to mount their biggest-ever chase against South Africa. However, England’s batting order crumbled like a house of cards, leading to one of their most significant defeats at the hands of South Africa, who won by a staggering 229 runs. The match took place at the Wankhede Stadium.
England’s pursuit of a formidable 400-run target came to an end at a mere 170 runs in just 22 overs. Adding to their woes, Reece Topley had to retire hurt after injuring his left index finger. South African bowlers, led by Gerald Coetzee’s impressive 3-35 and Marco Jansen’s well-rounded performance of 2-35, made quick work of England’s batting lineup. Lungi Ngidi contributed with 2-26, adding to England’s woes.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, won the toss and opted to field first, a decision that would later prove costly. South Africa’s batsmen wreaked havoc, amassing 399/7 in their 50 overs. Heinrich Klaasen was the standout performer, smashing a remarkable 67-ball 109, while Marco Jansen hammered an equally brutal 75 not out from 42 balls. Earlier, Reeza Hendricks (85 off 75) and Rassie van der Dussen (60 off 61) had laid a solid foundation for the big total with a well-compiled 121-run partnership for the second wicket.
As England toiled for nearly four hours in hot and humid conditions, their batting lineup appeared drained of energy. The South African bowlers displayed exceptional control over their line and length, dismissing half of England’s team for just 67 runs in the 12th over.
The outcome was nearly sealed for England at that point. Gus Atkinson (35 off 21) and Mark Wood (43 not out off 17) managed a 70-run partnership off 33 balls for the ninth wicket, providing some semblance of respectability. They were fortunate, as some of their shots narrowly avoided fielders at the boundary.
Nonetheless, this was little consolation for England as they suffered one of their worst defeats in ODIs. England’s batters were expected to take chances and capitalize on the dew-laden ball to chase the imposing total. Unfortunately, Jonny Bairstow (10 off 12), Dawid Malan (6), and Joe Root (2) fell quickly, leaving England’s batters struggling.
Ben Stokes, a key figure for England, managed only five runs from six balls. Harry Brook, included in the lineup after being initially overlooked, scored 17 runs off 25 deliveries. Captain Jos Buttler, known for memorable innings at the Wankhede Stadium, scored 15 off seven balls before departing after a brief flurry of boundaries.
England found themselves at 68/6 in the 12th over, and South Africa cruised to victory, despite some late resistance from David Miller (12 off 12) and Adil Rashid (10 off 14) as England crept past the 100-run mark
