PROTEAS CLINCH NAIL-BITING VICTORY AGAINST ENGLAND IN T20 WORLD CUP SUPER EIGHT THRILLER

Written by: Floyd Nkanyane

In a heart-stopping encounter at the Daren Sammy Stadium in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, South Africa emerged victorious by a mere seven runs against England in their T20 World Cup Super Eight clash. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring brilliant individual performances and dramatic twists.

Quinton de Kock’s explosive half-century (65 off 38 balls) set the stage for South Africa, but a mid-innings collapse left them with a seemingly modest total of 163-6. England’s chase appeared on track at 139-4 with just three overs remaining, needing only 25 runs with six wickets in hand.

However, the Proteas’ death bowling duo of Marco Jansen and Anrich Nortje produced a masterclass in the final two overs. The turning point came when Liam Livingstone (33) fell to Kagiso Rabada, followed by a spectacular catch by Captain Aiden Markram to dismiss the well-set Harry Brook (53) in the last over.

Earlier, de Kock had equalled the tournament’s fastest fifty, reaching the milestone in just 22 balls. David Miller’s composed 43 off 28 balls provided crucial late impetus to the South African innings.

England’s chase was hampered by regular wickets, with Keshav Maharaj (2-25) proving particularly effective. Despite a strong partnership between Brook and Livingstone, South Africa’s bowlers held their nerve in the crucial moments.

The victory keeps South Africa’s tournament hopes alive, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.