South Africa’s Bowling Brilliance on Display: Jansen, Mulder, and Maharaj Deliver Crucial Three-Wicket Hauls as They Set Up a High-Pressure Chase
Champions Trophy 2025: England All Out for 179, South Africa Needs 180 to Win
England’s batting collapse in the 11th match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has set a challenging target for South Africa. Batting first at Karachi’s National Stadium, England were bowled out for 179 in 38.2 overs after winning the toss, leaving South Africa with a target of 180 runs.
The innings got off to a rocky start as England lost three wickets for just 39 runs. This early collapse put immense pressure on the batting side. A crucial partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook, adding 62 runs, helped stabilize the innings and brought the total close to the 100-run mark. However, the momentum was short-lived as wickets continued to fall, hindering any significant recovery.
Later in the innings, captain Jos Buttler, who also kept wickets, joined forces with Jofra Archer for the crucial eighth-wicket stand, adding 42 runs. Despite this late resistance, the batting effort failed to produce a competitive total. Joe Root ended up as the top-scorer with 37 runs, while Buttler and Archer contributed 21 and 25 runs respectively. Overall, England’s batting unit struggled to build partnerships and maintain momentum throughout the innings.
On the bowling front, South Africa’s attack was methodical and effective. Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder emerged as the standout bowlers, each claiming three wickets and playing a pivotal role in restricting England’s scoring. Keshav Maharaj provided additional breakthroughs with two wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi each secured one wicket, further reinforcing the potency of the South African bowling lineup.
With England setting a modest total of 179, South Africa now needs to chase 180 runs to clinch the win. The pressure is on for the South African batsmen, who will be keen to capitalize on England’s early batting collapse and put the team on the path to victory.
Below are the playing elevens for both teams:
South Africa:
Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
England:
Jos Buttler (C & WK), Phil Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.
This match’s outcome now hinges on South Africa’s ability to efficiently chase the target, making the upcoming batting performance a crucial factor in their pursuit of victory in the tournament.
