Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa Advances to Semifinals After Dominating England

South Africa has qualified for the semifinals of the Champions Trophy 2025 after bowling out England for 179 runs. Jos Buttler’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired, leading to a significant early collapse of the England batting lineup. Despite brief recoveries, England’s innings faltered, illustrating the effectiveness of South Africa’s bowling attack.

In the latest match of the Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa secured a place in the semifinals by bowling England out for a mere 179 runs. The outcome of Group B will still determine the opponents for India and New Zealand in the knockout rounds. Jos Buttler, England’s ODI captain, made the decision to bat first after winning the toss; however, this choice proved disadvantageous as South Africa’s Jansen dismantled the English batting lineup.

Early in the innings, England found themselves in dire straits, collapsing to 37 for 3 by the seventh over. Opener Phil Salt was dismissed for 8 runs, top-edging a short delivery from Jansen, and Jamie Smith followed without scoring, unable to manage a bouncer. Ben Duckett’s dismissal for 24 further exacerbated England’s situation when he was caught and bowled by Jansen.

Despite efforts from Harry Brook (19) and Joe Root (37), who added 62 runs for the fourth wicket, South Africa struck at critical moments. Brook fell victim to Maharaj, caught by Jansen, and shortly after, Root’s off-stump was sent flying by Mulder. The collapse continued with further wickets, leaving England precariously positioned at 129 for 7 in the 26th over.

Jos Buttler (21) and Jofra Archer (25) managed to stabilize the innings, producing a partnership of 42 runs before Archer was dismissed by Mulder. Ultimately, Buttler was also removed by a deceptive delivery from Lungi Ngidi, further sealing England’s fate. The match outcome illustrated South Africa’s effective bowling strategy and England’s batting struggles.

In summary, the Champions Trophy 2025 match exemplified South Africa’s superiority with the ball, leading to England’s disappointing total of 179 and confirming South Africa’s advancement to the semifinals. England’s decision to bat first was costly, and pivotal moments throughout the innings contributed to their downfall. The results of Group B remain pivotal in shaping the upcoming knockout stage matchups.

Original Source: m.economictimes.com