South Africa smashed England by 229 runs in Match 20 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, October 21. In a one-sided clash, the defending champions were outclassed in the sapping Mumbai heat.
South Africa lost the services of their captain Temba Bavuma to an illness just ahead of the match, which meant that Aiden Markram had to walk out for the toss, which was won by England who decided to bowl first.
Reeza Hendricks, who replaced Bavuma, grabbed the opportunity with both hands to score 85 despite the rare failure of Quinton de Kock (4). He was well supported by Rassie van der Dussen (60), while Markram made 42.
The Proteas were 243/5 in the 37th over and needed another big partnership to take them past 350, which was achieved in some style by Heinrich Klaasen (109) and Marco Jansen (75*), who added 151 runs off just 76 balls for the 6th wicket.
South Africa finished with 399/7 on the board and England needed a great start to pull off the second-best ODI chase of all-time to get back to winning ways. They did not get that start by any means, slumping to 38/4 in 8.1 overs.
Soon they were 100/8 with the last pair at the crease, as Reece Topley was injured. Mark Wood (43*) and Gus Atkinson (35) entertained the crowd with a 69-run partnership to delay the inevitable and reduce the massive margin of defeat slightly.
South Africa solidified their hold of the third spot on the points table with their third win from four matches, while England are now languishing at ninth with just one win from four matches.
Cricket fraternity lauded the South African team for making a big statement after their shocking defeat to Netherlands, while expressing concern about the prospects of defending champions England.
Here are the posts:
