South Africa scored 163/6 in 20 overs, where as England scored 156/6 in 20 overs.
So, finally South Africa beat England by seven runs.
A blistering innings from Quinton de Kock and a feisty bowling effort helped South Africa register a thrilling seven-run win over England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Friday (June 21).
De Kock’s explosive 38-ball 65 was the most fluent innings of the match on a pitch where most batters struggled to score quickly.
South Africa then excelled in two crucial aspects with the ball: the powerplay and death bowling, to secure a brilliant win.
The Difference: de Kock’s Assault in the Powerplay
The game had many twists and turns, leading to several debatable turning points, but the powerplay was arguably the most decisive.
With the surface exhibiting a two-paced nature, the first six overs were pivotal.
De Kock’s aggressive batting helped South Africa amass 63 runs during this period, with the left-hander smashing 49 off 20 balls to give the Proteas the edge.
In contrast, England managed only 41 runs in their powerplay despite losing just one wicket—a stark difference!
SOUTH AFRICA
Powerplay: De Kock Fires on All Cylinders
Phase score: South Africa 63/0 [RR: 10.50, 4s/6s: 4/4]
Unlike previous games in this tournament, the surface at Gros Islet did not favor power-hitting.
Reeza Hendricks struggled for momentum, but Quinton de Kock looked in sublime touch from the outset.
He reserved special treatment for Jofra Archer, who went for 20 runs in his first over.
De Kock was unstoppable, even taking on Moeen Ali, hitting him for a six and a four.
The first over of the powerplay, bowled by Reece Topley, was the only economical over in an otherwise destructive powerplay for South Africa.
Middle Overs: Rashid Weaves His Magic to Stage England’s Fightback
Phase score: 52/4 [RR: 5.78, 4s/6s: 4/0]
Once the field spread, Jos Buttler brought in Adil Rashid, who quickly found his rhythm on the sluggish surface.
With a hint of turn and variable bounce, shot-making became difficult against the older ball.
Rashid’s four overs during the middle phase cost only 20 runs, and he took the wicket of Aiden Markram in his final over.
Rashid’s frugality forced South Africa into making mistakes.
England’s fielding standards soared, led by Buttler, who took a blinder to remove de Kock.
Buttler also ran out Heinrich Klaasen, whose promotion to attack spin backfired.
South Africa squandered the platform given by de Kock.
Death Overs: England Complete the Stranglejob Amidst Miller’s Defiance
Phase score: 48/2 [RR: 9.6, 4s/6s: 4/2]
South Africa hoped to score over 180, but their middle-overs implosion necessitated an excellent finish to surpass 175.
David Miller looked in good touch and, with Tristan Stubbs, aimed for a blistering finish.
However, England’s bowlers excelled in the death overs, effectively using the longer boundary and change-ups to thwart the duo.
Few loose deliveries were offered, resulting in 48 runs off the last 30 balls, 13 of which came in the 16th over bowled by Mark Wood.
England’s fielding remained stellar, with Harry Brook and Sam Curran taking spectacular catches in the final over.
ENGLAND
Powerplay: South Africa Put on the Squeeze with the New Ball
Phase score: 41/1 [RR: 6.83, 4s/6s: 3/1]
It’s rare for England to score under seven runs-per-over in the powerplay after losing just one wicket, but South Africa’s bowlers gave their side a perfect start.
Philip Salt looked ominous, hitting a monstrous six off Marco Jansen, but fell to a brilliant catch by Reeza Hendricks off Kagiso Rabada.
Jos Buttler struggled for momentum, and Jonny Bairstow also failed to find boundaries as South Africa tightened the screws on a sluggish pitch, leaving England with a lot of work to do.
Middle Overs: England Implode but Brook and Livingstone Stay Put
Phase score: 64/3 [RR: 7.11, 4s/6s: 5/1]
The pressure of being unable to force the pace got to Bairstow and Buttler, who fell to Keshav Maharaj’s left-arm spin.
Promoted to take on the spinner, Moeen Ali succumbed to the predictable short ball treatment.
Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone were left with a daunting task.
They handled the pressure well, working the ball around with occasional boundaries.
Rabada’s 15th over went for 18 runs, with Livingstone and Brook finding boundaries to keep England’s hopes alive.
Death Overs: South Africa Hold Their Nerve in a Roller-Coaster Finish
Phase score: 51/2 [RR: 10.20, 4s/6s: 6/1]
The 15th over gave Brook and Livingstone momentum for the slog overs.
Anrich Nortje’s 16th over went for 13, and Ottneil Baartman’s 17th over saw Livingstone and Brook hitting a six and boundaries, bringing the target to 25 off 18 balls.
However, Rabada’s superb 18th over gave away just four runs and took Livingstone’s wicket.
Jansen followed with another excellent over, also conceding only four runs.
Nortje had 13 to defend in the final over and took out Brook first ball, effectively sealing the game.
England needed 14 off five balls with two new batters on a difficult pitch, falling short by seven runs.
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