South Africa cruise into Champions Trophy semi-finals with dominant win over England

South Africa sealed their place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals with a commanding seven-wicket victory over England in Karachi on Saturday.

A clinical bowling display from Wiaan Mulder (3-25) and Marco Jansen (3-39) saw England crumble to 179 all out in just 38.2 overs. South Africa then made light work of the chase, reaching the target in 29.1 overs for the loss of just three wickets.

The win secured South Africa’s top spot in Group B with five points, one ahead of Australia, as both teams advanced to the knockout stage. India and New Zealand, who will meet in Dubai on Sunday, have already qualified from Group A, with their clash determining the final semi-final line-ups.

England endured a dismal campaign, finishing winless after heavy defeats to Australia and Afghanistan had already ended their chances before this match. The loss also marked the end of Jos Buttler’s captaincy, as he stepped down following the game.

Chasing 180, South Africa lost Tristan Stubbs for a duck and Ryan Rickelton for 27 as Jofra Archer (2-55) struck twice early. However, Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the innings with a 127-run stand. Klaasen struck a fluent 64 off 56 balls before falling to Adil Rashid (1-37), leaving David Miller to seal the win with a six. Van der Dussen remained unbeaten on 72 off 87 balls, hitting three sixes and six fours.

Earlier, England’s batting faltered once again after winning the toss. Joe Root top-scored with 37, but his dismissal to Mulder triggered a collapse. Jansen removed Phil Salt (8), Jamie Smith (0), and Ben Duckett (24) early, while Keshav Maharaj (2-35) added to England’s woes. Late contributions from Buttler (21) and Archer (25) only delayed the inevitable as England lost their last three wickets for just eight runs.

South Africa had to cope without regular captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi due to illness, while stand-in skipper Aiden Markram left the field with a hamstring issue.

The semi-finals will be played on March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with India set to play their knockout match in Dubai regardless of their group position. If India reach the final, it will also be held in Dubai on March 9; otherwise, Lahore will host the title decider.

(Source: AFP)