South Africa established a goal of 164 runs for England in the fifth Super 8 match of the T20 World Cup 2024, which took place at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St. Lucia on Friday. Quinton de Kock provided a rapid and successful beginning for South Africa throughout the initial part of the innings, however England managed to recover and regain their momentum during the latter part. The wicketkeeper-batter achieved a fifty in just 22 balls, which is tied for the fastest in the current league.
Super 8: South Africa set 164-run target vs England
Reeza Hendricks (19 runs off 25 balls) was unable to capitalise on his sluggish beginning. He was the initial batsman to be removed by leg-spinner Adil Rashid. De Kock left the field because of England captain Jos Buttler’s impressive and athletic catch. He scored 65 runs off 38 balls, including eight boundaries.
The reigning champions reentered the match with Buttler once more making a contribution, this time by executing a run out at the non-striker’s end to dismiss Heinrich Klassen (scoring 9 runs off 13 balls).
Meanwhile, Rashid dismissed skipper Aiden Markram, causing him to score only 1 run off 2 balls. David Miller assumed control in the latter stage, achieving a vital 43 runs off 28 deliveries.
The Proteas scored a total of 163 runs for the loss of 6 wickets within the allotted 20 overs. Pacer Jofra Archer emerged as the leading bowler for England, collecting impressive numbers of 3/40.
Prior to the start of the match, England won the coin toss and chose to field first. Both teams emerged victorious in their initial match of this round. South Africa convincingly trounced the USA, while England emerged victorious over the West Indies.
Buttler stated that they will once again aim to pursue a target on the newly prepared playing field. “The wicket is newly prepared and appears to be in good condition. We are confident in our ability to successfully pursue another target.” There may be a small amount of moisture on the pitch, and I expect the ball to move in the air due to the wind.
Additionally, Aiden Markram expressed his preference for bowling. “Our objective is to achieve a high score and then apply pressure on our opponents.”
England’s lineup remains the same, but the Proteas have made a substitution by replacing Tabraiz Shamsi with Ottneil Baartman.
