England set a modest target of 180 runs for South Africa in their crucial group-stage match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, as they were bowled out for 179 in just 38.2 overs at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.
England’s batting lineup struggled to build substantial partnerships against a disciplined South African bowling attack.
Joe Root scored 37 runs, while Jofra Archer contributed a quick 25, and Ben Duckett added 24 runs.
However, their efforts were not enough to propel England to a competitive total.
South Africa’s bowlers dominated the innings with a combined effort. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder were the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets each, while Keshav Maharaj provided valuable support with two dismissals. Their consistent breakthroughs ensured that England never gained control over the game.
With a target of 180, South Africa is in a strong position to secure victory.
England, now relying on their bowlers, will need an extraordinary effort to defend their total and keep their Champions Trophy campaign on track.
England’s team is already out of the race for the semi-final, and today’s match may give it a chance to end the tournament on a positive note.
So disheartened was England captain Jos Buttler with his team’s poor performance that on Friday, he announced his retirement. It will take a miracle for England to topple the Proteas in this kind of form after losing to Australia and Afghanistan.
However, if South Africa win today’s clash, it could book a seat in the semi-final.
On the other hand, Afghanistan still stand the chance to qualify for the semis provided England inflict a humiliating defeat on Proteas today.
Departing England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa in their final Champions Trophy Group B match in Karachi on Saturday.
South Africa only need to avoid a big defeat to join Australia from the group in the semi-finals of the 50-over tournament. But get beaten heavily, and Afghanistan could sneak in on net run-rate.
Buttler leads England for the last time after announcing he was stepping down following the two defeats that ended their campaign.
Fast bowler Mark Wood injured his knee and made way for Saqib Mahmood as the only change to the England side that lost to Afghanistan in Lahore.
South Africa were forced to make two changes with skipper Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi both unwell.
Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen came into the side.
Aiden Markram took over the captaincy.
India and New Zealand have qualified for the semi-finals from Group A.
Teams:
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
England: Jos Buttler (captain), Ben Duckett, Phil Salt, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood
Umpires: Ahsan Raza (PAK) and Rod Tucker (AUS)
TV umpire: Sharfuddoula (BAN)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)