England won the toss and sent the Proteas in to bat. It was a very slow start on a pitch that seemed to favour the bowlers.  

Quinton de Kock, however, scored a second straight fifty off just 22 balls, equalling Aaron Jones for the fastest 50 of the tournament.  He was eventually dismissed on 65 by Jofra Archer, with England captain Jos Buttler taking a brilliant catch behind the wickets.

The only other notable score was put on by David Miller, who hit 43 off 28 balls. He was also dismissed by Archer, who though expensive claimed three South African scalps in his four overs. South Africa’s 163/6 did not seem enough and called for disciplined bowling and fielding during England’s innings.

South Africa hit the ground running and Kagiso Rabada got rid of dangerman Phil Salt early on, thanks to a gravity-defying catch by Reeza Hendricks. Buttler and Johnny Bairstow steadied the ship for England, but struggled to get runs on the slower-than-expected pitch. Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone scored steady runs and in the last six overs, England needed 77 runs to seal the deal.

After bowling two very tight overs, Ottneil Baartman was given the 17th over, but bowled four full tosses in a row, allowing Livingstone free reign at the crease.  Marco Jansen bowled a phenomenal penultimate over, conceding only seven runs, leaving Anrich Nortje to defend 13 in the last over. A disciplined final over saw England only managing to get six runs, handing South Africa their sixth victory in the tournament.

South Africa is now top of the group with four points in two matches. Their next game is on Monday, when they will play hosts, West Indies.

OFM Sport/Ilse Smalberger