Karachi, March 1, 2025: South Africa delivered a commanding performance to defeat England by seven wickets, successfully chasing a modest 180-run target in their final Champions Trophy group-stage match at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The victory secured South Africa’s top spot in Group B, ensuring their place in the semi-finals alongside Australia.
Despite an early setback, Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen guided the Proteas to victory with a 127-run partnership. South Africa lost both openers early as Jofra Archer dismissed Tristan Stubbs for a duck and Ryan Rickelton (27 off 25) inside the powerplay. Van der Dussen anchored the chase with an unbeaten 72 off 87 balls (six fours, three sixes). Klaasen played an attacking knock, scoring 64 off 56 deliveries, hitting 11 boundaries before falling just six runs short of victory.
South Africa comfortably won with 125 balls to spare, ensuring a significant net run rate advantage.
Opting to bat first, England struggled from the start, getting bowled out for 179 in 38.2 overs. Marco Jansen rattled the top order, reducing England to 37/3 in 6.4 overs. Joe Root (37 off 44) and Harry Brook (19 off 29) attempted to stabilize the innings with a 62-run stand, but both fell in quick succession. Captain Jos Buttler (21 off 43) tried to hold the innings together but lacked support. Jofra Archer (25 off 31) added crucial lower-order runs before England were bundled out.
South Africa’s bowlers dominated the English batting lineup with Marco Jansen & Wiaan Mulder taking three wickets each. Keshav Maharaj chipped in with two wickets while Kagiso Rabada & Lungi Ngidi took a wicket each.
With this victory, South Africa and Australia progressed from Group B to the semi-finals of the eight-team tournament, eliminating England and Afghanistan.
The Proteas’ all-round dominance in this crucial match highlights their strength heading into the knockout stage, making them a serious contender for the Champions Trophy 2025 title.
