![SA](https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x960/filters:format(webp)/mazaplay/media/media_files/S11bWOsvvGjhlNoDulyY.png)
South Africa (Source: Twitter)
Match number 20 of the ODI World Cup 2023 saw the defending champions, England take on the South African team at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match was expected to be a run affair and eventually, it turned out to be one but only for South Africa. Riding on some sublime batting efforts in batting, South Africa registered their third victory of the World Cup 2023 by 229 runs against England. With this win the South African team are now at third spot with a solid Net run rate of +2.212. However, after suffering such a huge loss, England have now dropped down to number nine.
On a scorching afternoon, England's captain Jos Buttler won the toss and chose to field in their match against South Africa. The English bowlers started strongly when Riece Topley dismissed Quinton de Kock on just the second ball of the match. This early setback prompted Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen to cautiously rebuild the innings, eventually forming a solid partnership of 121 runs.
Hendricks showcased his strength with an impressive 85 runs off 75 balls, but Adil Rashid broke their partnership by dismissing van der Dussen for 60 runs. Subsequently, Aiden Markram and David Miller were also sent back to the pavilion. The match then witnessed a stunning turnaround as Heinrich Klaasen's explosive century in 31 balls, complemented by an exceptional 109 runs off 67 balls, formed a formidable 151-run partnership with all-rounder Marco Jansen. This powerful collaboration drove the Proteas to a commanding total of 399 runs, setting England a challenging target in a thrilling contest.
England's batting crumbled under pressure
While pursuing the target, South African bowlers proved to be formidable against the English batsmen. England faced an early setback, losing their first four wickets for just 38 runs, all within the initial powerplay period. Although the subsequent batsmen made decent starts, they struggled to maintain their presence at the crease, with the momentum decidedly favouring the South African team.
The situation deteriorated for England as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. They found themselves at 8 wickets for a total of 100 runs. South African pacers displayed their excellence with the ball, in contrast to the English bowlers. Nevertheless, England's tailenders, Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson, exhibited their batting prowess, treating the Mumbai crowd to some impressive sixes. However, their efforts came too late, as the team ultimately succumbed to a 230-run defeat. This is the biggest loss by runs margin for England in the history of World Cups.
Let us look at how Twitter has reacted;
Ye toh shuru hote hi khatam ho gye pic.twitter.com/3SVpswuuni
— Shubham Shrivastav (@shubhshr28) October 21, 2023
🤣🤣
— 𝙋𝙤𝙥𝙖™ (@Here4Virat) October 21, 2023
England's downfall started from here.👇 pic.twitter.com/d7lcSz76BB
— Groot 🚩 (@IAmGrootX18) October 21, 2023
South Africa in this World Cup:
— Mintu Dutta (@MNGamin65372627) October 21, 2023
- Beat England, Australia & Sri Lanka (7 time World Cup champions)
- Lost to Netherlands (14th ranked ODI team) pic.twitter.com/OxyiXA75pP
Historic defeat
— 𝙋𝙤𝙥𝙖™ (@Here4Virat) October 21, 2023
England's defeat of 229 runs has worsened their run rate, which is going to be very painful for England in the future.
— ƤƘMƘƁ ƠƑƑƖƇƖƛԼ (@PKMKB_93K) October 21, 2023
Biggest defeats by runs for a Full Member nation in World Cups
— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) October 21, 2023
257 WI vs SA Sydney 2015
229 Eng vs SA Mumbai WS 2023 *
215 NZ vs Aus St George's 2007
206 Ban vs SA Mirpur 2011
England out of this WC now
— Lubana Warriors (@LovepreetS49) October 21, 2023