New Delhi: South Africa comfortably chased down the 180-run target set by England, with Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen both scoring half-centuries. With this win, South Africa has earned a place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, following an excellent bowling performance against England.
With the modest target securing their spot in the semifinals by the break, the Proteas easily chased it down in 29.1 overs, finishing with five points, two clear of Australia. They will now meet the Group A runners-up in the semifinals, with India and New Zealand set to compete for Group A positions in Dubai on Sunday. Rassie van der Dussen played a steady hand, remaining unbeaten on 72 from 86 balls (6×4, 3×6), while Heinrich Klaasen, back from injury, played an aggressive knock of 64 off 56 balls (11×4) in a 127-run partnership.
Marco Jansen’s three wickets in the powerplay helped limit England to 179 all out, marking the lowest total in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Afghanistan needed England to win by 207 runs to progress to the semi-finals, but they have now missed out. England’s captain, Jos Buttler – captaining for the final time – won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa in the Group B match on Saturday in Karachi. The Proteas were led by Aiden Markram after Temba Bavuma, the regular captain, was rested due to illness, but Markram had to leave the field due to injury.
Brief Scores:
England 179; 38.3 overs (Joe Root 37; Marco Jansen 3/39, Wiaan Mulder 3/25, Keshav Maharaj 2/35) lost to South Africa 181/3; 29.1 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 72, Heinrich Klaasen 64) by seven wickets.
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