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Protean Humbled Three Lions 

Saleque Sufi | banglanews24.com
Update: 2023-10-22 09:05:04
Protean Humbled Three Lions  [photo collected]

CWC 2023, Match 20, South Africa VS England played at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India on 21st October 2023
South Africa 399/7 (Henrich Klassen 109, Reza Hendricks 85, Marco Jansen 75*, Rassie van der Dussen 60, Aiden Markram 42, Reece Topley 3/88. Gus Atkinson 2/60) 
England 170 All Out in 22 overs (Mark Wood 43*, Gus Atkinson 35, Gerald Coetzee 3/35, Luigi Ngidi 2/26, Marco Janson 2/35)
South Africa won by 229 Runs
Player of the match: Henrich Klassen 

South Africa affectionately called “Chokers” after proving what they are called in their previous match against Netherland bounced back in vengeance humbling reigning champions by a huge defeat by 229 runs. Batting first they set a sky scrapper of 400 to climb. Three Lions were swept away by the protean surge getting bundled out for 170 runs in 22 overs. 

With four matches of the nine each team plays South Africa consolidated its position in the elite group of four. The position of England ran into deep waters having already lost three matches. They have no options but to winning all their remaining matches. 

England winning the toss elected to field on Mumbai wicket known as batting paradise. They managed to remove inform Quinton de Kock early. But then onwards Protean batsmen mercilessly spanked English bowlers all over the park. Runs came thick and fast. Sixes and fours were flowing like fountains. Reza Hendricks came into side resting captain Temba Bavuma hammered 85 runs in 75 balls striking 9 fours and three sixes.  2nd partnership between Reza and Rassie van der Dussen (60) producing 121 runs set the foundation of protean onslaught. Henrich Klassen (109 in 67 balls), Marco Jansen (75*) put the icing on the cake as Protean rattled 399/7 in allotted overs. Aiden Markram also produced 42. English bowlers were taken to the cleaners. Reece Topley (3/88) and Gus Atkinson (2/60) were successful English bowlers. 

Scaling the skyscraper that Protean constructed proved well beyond English reach. They tried their Basball strategy. But were completely undone. South African bowlers were true to their task. English innings was wrapped up for a mere 170 runs in 22 overs. The only resistance came from the tailenders Mark Wood (40) and Gus Atkinson (35). Gerald Coetzee (3/35), Luigi Ngidi (2/26) and Marco Jansen (2/35) proved too hot to handle. With a huge win by 229 runs South Africa firmly consolidated its position among the top four. England’s position for the business round of the tournament. now appears very uncertain. Choosing player of the match was not easy among few performers. Henrich Klassen for his flamboyant 109 in 67 balls was adjusted player of the match. South African batsmen struck as many as 13 sixes during their innings. 

Points Table after 4 Rounds of Matches: 

Teams

Matches

Won

Lost

Points

NRR

New Zealand

4

4

0

8

1.923

India

4

4

0

8

1.659

South Africa

4

3

1

6

2.212

Australia

4

2

2

4

-0.193

Pakistan

4

2

2

4

-0.456

Bangladesh

4

1

3

2

-0.784

Netherland

4

1

3

2

-0.790

Sri Lanka

4

1

3

2

-1.048

England

4

1

3

2

-1.248

Afghanistan

4

1

3

2

-1.250

BDST: 0904 HRS, OCT 22, 2023
SMS

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