South Africa qualified for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy 2025 by bowling out England for 179 runs. England struggled after winning the toss and choosing to bat, suffering consistent losses early in their innings. Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer’s late efforts provided some resistance, but England ultimately finished with a disappointing total.
South Africa has successfully qualified for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy 2025 after bowling out England for a mere 179 runs. The outcome of Group B remains uncertain as it will determine the opponents for India and New Zealand in the knockout phase. In what was a significant match for England’s ODI captain Jos Buttler, he elected to bat first after winning the toss, a decision that did not yield favorable results, as fast bowler Jansen dismantled England’s top order early on, leaving them at 37 for 3 within the first seven overs.
Openers Phil Salt and Jamie Smith both fell cheaply, adding to the early pressure. Salt managed an unfortunate top-edge on a rising delivery from Jansen, while Smith was unable to cope with a short ball, returning without scoring. Ben Duckett briefly stabilised the innings before succumbing to a caught-and-bowled dismissals by Jansen, furthering England’s struggles as they faced continual setbacks against the South African attack.
Following a glimmer of hope with a 62-run partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root, South Africa garnered crucial wickets that shattered England’s resurgence. Brook was dismissed by Maharaj, with Jansen executing an excellent catch, and Root’s off-stump disturbed by Mulder shortly thereafter. England found themselves in precarious territory at 129 for 7 after the dismissals of key players Liam Livingstone and Jamie Overton, complicating their pursuit of a defendable total.
Jos Buttler (21) and Jofra Archer (25) attempted to salvage the innings by forging a partnership of 42 runs. However, their efforts were undermined as Archer fell victim to Mulder and Buttler succumbed to a slower delivery by Lungi Ngidi. The result of the match has significant implications for England, who must reflect on their performance as they prepare for their upcoming challenges.
In summary, South Africa’s comprehensive bowling performance led to England’s dismissal for 179, ensuring the former’s passage to the semifinals of the Champions Trophy 2025. England’s decision to bat first proved detrimental as they experienced a rapid loss of wickets, culminating in a disappointing total. As Group B remains contested, the eventual standings will determine the path of finalists India and New Zealand moving forward.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
